Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

The Cero Mackerel is iridescent bluish green on the back.

It has silvery sides with yellow-orange spots forming lines above and below a bronze stripe that runs the length of its body.

Cero Mackerel can be easily confused with the Spanish mackerel. Cero Mackerel and Spanish mackerel are generally the same size and can look very similar. Cero Mackerel have a distinct orange to bronze band or stripe from their pectoral fin to their tail. This stripe may break up in areas, but it is obvious as a band or stripe. Spanish mackerel lack an orange stripe.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Open Year-Round
Size Limit	No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person	No Limit
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Rare
General Habitat and Food Preferences	The Cero Mackerel is usually solitary but will forms schools over artificial reefs, wrecks, and along ledges near shore. They feed on small fishes, shrimps, and squids at mid-water and near the water's surface.
Did You Know?	The Cero Mackerel is also known as the "painted mackerel".
Common Lures and Baits	Cero Mackerel are taken mostly by trolling, using various live and dead baitfish, shiny spoons, jigs, and other artificial lures.
Typical Sizes Caught	In general, Cero Mackerel caught by anglers weigh between 5 and 10 pounds.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Cero Mackerel are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award, but a large specimen may qualify for an “Unusual Species” award.
Delaware State Record	Cero Mackerel are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

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