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Cero (Scomberomorus regalis) — Scombridae

Cero

Scomberomorus regalis
Family: Scombridae
LC · Least Concern

The Cero (Scomberomorus regalis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 183 cm.

Length
183 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–20.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The cero is a Spanish mackerel of the family Scombridae from the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 1.8 metres and has a streamlined, torpedo-shaped, silvery body with a long, yellow-brown midline stripe and rows of yellow spots and dashes on the flank. It is most common in clear waters around coral reefs. As a fast, powerful predator it hunts small schooling fishes, especially herrings, and shrimps and squid. The cero is a valued sport and food fish. The razor-sharp teeth can cause cuts when handling; keep fingers away from the mouth.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cero?

The Cero has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Cero live?

The Cero lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Cero get?

The Cero grows to a maximum of about 183 cm.

Is the Cero dangerous to humans?

The Cero is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

Is the Cero edible?

Yes, the Cero is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Cero-koningsmakreel sourced
English name
Cero verified
Scientific name
Scomberomorus regalis
Family
Scombridae
Other names
Cero verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
183.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Crescent (lunate) inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Scomberomorus

More from the family Scombridae

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