Species Profiles. Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (South Florida). King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel.
Abstract
This Species Profile on king and Spanish mackerel summarizes the taxonomy, morphology, distribution, life history, fishery descriptions, ecological role, impact assessment. King and Spanish mackerel support major commercial and sport fisheries in south Florida. In 1974-83, Gulf of mexico and Atlantic commercial landings of king mackerel declined from 10.4 to 4.3 million lb.; Spanish mackerel have fluctuated between 4.9-17.4 million lb. Both inhabit coastal waters, but Spanish mackerel are generally found closer to beaches and in outer estuarine waters. Both species feed principally on estuarine-dependent species. They are highly migratory, exhibiting seasonal migrations to winter feeding grounds off south Florida and summer spawning/feeding grounds in the northern Gulf of Mexico and off the Atlantic coast of the Southeastern U.S. Spawning occurs from March/April through September/October between the middle and Outer Continental Shelf(35-183 mi) for king mackerel and the inner shelf(12-34 mi) for Spanish mackerel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA173749
Entities
People
- Mark F. Godcharles
- Michael D. Murphy