The king mackerel is an extremely popular breed for two major industries in the world that deal with fish. First is the culinary industry, wherein the king mackerel is prized and tasty meat to consume, and the second one is the recreational fishing industry. Now, this is a species of fish that comes in a big range of size and weight. Predominantly found in the sea and oceanic waters, this fish is respected for the benefits it confers to one’s heart health and overall well-being of the body. Keep reading to find out more about this species of sea fish which has many subspecies like the Spanish, Indian, and Atlantic mackerels. The best way to distinguish between these species is to compare their primary dorsal fin as well as the second dorsal fin.These fishes like to feed on various aquatic animals like squid, shrimps, fishes, and small marine species. Here are some of the most interesting facts about this popular game fish species.After reading these fascinating details about the Kingfish, do check our other articles about milkfish facts and codfish facts as well.
Fun King Mackerel Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Squid, shrimps, fishes, and small marine animals
What do they eat? Carnivores
Average litter size? 200,000-300,000 eggs
How much do they weigh? 10-99 lb (4.5-44.9 kg)
How long are they? 2-6.0 ft (0.6-1.8 m)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Grey color body and light white on the sides
Skin Type Smooth and oily surface
What were their main threats? Sharks, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Overfishing And Predators Like Whales
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Coastal Zones And Reefs
Locations Massachusetts, Gulf Of Mexico, Rio De Janeiro
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Scomberomorus
Class Actinopterygii
Family Scombridae
King Mackerel Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a king mackerel?King mackerel is a fish that is a carnivore. The scientific name of these fishes is Scomberomorus Cavalla. These mackerels are widely found in the Gulf of Mexico and the western Atlantic Ocean. Some of the most popular species of king mackerel are Spanish mackerel, Indian mackerel, and Atlantic mackerel.What class of animal does a king mackerel belong to?The king mackerel belongs to the class of fish and is classified as part of Actinopterygii owing to the fact that these fish have ray fins and bony structures.How many king mackerels are there in the world?There are no exact details about the total population of king mackerel. However, since these fishes are categorized as Least Concerned on the conservation scale, their population can be predicted to be quite stable. Moreover, with various subspecies like Spanish, Indian, and Atlantic mackerel spread across the world, their survival status is believed to be free of any concerns as of now.Where does a king mackerel live?A king mackerel is predominantly found in oceanic waters. Its most widely known locations are the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Mediterranean, the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. These fishes can be located in the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Rio de Janeiro as well as the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico stock mixes with the Atlantic Ocean stock in Southern Florida. Being migratory species, like other species found in the Gulf of Mexico, kings travel from near one coast to another, depending on the season that persists or is expected. These fishes are named after their habitat for instance Spanish mackerel, Indian mackerel, Pacific mackerel, Atlantic mackerel.What is a king mackerel’s habitat?The king mackerel habitat is known to prefer deep waters as its habitat of choice. Generally, they thrive in a temperature range of 20-30 degrees Celsius or 68-84 degrees Fahrenheit. The smaller and medium-sized variants of the king mackerel are typically found in waters as deep as 150 ft (45 m) and as shallow as 40 ft (12 m). However, the larger a mackerel gets, the deeper it prefers to be in waters. Large king mackerels are usually found in inshore waters or in waters as deep as 590 ft (179 m). Depending on the seasons and the climate of its habitat, king mackerels have been known to migrate in order to secure a location that it considers ideal for itself. Who do king mackerels live with?King mackerels are a group of schooling fishes. However, solitary existence can also be located. During the migratory seasons, the members of Scomberomorus Cavalla are known to locomote in groups.How long does a king mackerel live?The average king mackerel lifespan of the members of the kingfish species is about 20 years. The king mackerel life cycle is dependant on what these fishes get to feed on.How do they reproduce?According to the available data, king mackerels are assumed to prefer warmer waters for reproduction purposes. A Gulf of Mexico group of this species ranges from the Texas Coast during the summers to the East Coast of Florida. Spawning of the kings occurs throughout the summer off the northern Gulf Coast. The breeding season of these fishes generally spans from May to September. When fertilized, the female king mackerels usually release about 200,000-300,000 eggs in water. Eggs and sperm are shed into the sea and their union is by chance. The females of the species pass through five stages of ovary development and reach sexual maturity at the age group of four years. Whereas in the case of their male counterparts, the age group for sexual maturity is about three years with an anatomical length of 28.3 in. (72 cm)What is their conservation status?According to the IUCN’s (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List, king mackerels have been categorized under the conservation status of Least Concerned species. With various subspecies like Spanish mackerel, Pacific mackerel, Indian mackerel, and Atlantic mackerel present across the world, their survival is beyond any doubt.King Mackerel Fun FactsWhat do king mackerels look like?This fish is typically olive-colored along their backs and rose and silver as you move towards the stomach or under the side of the fish. The smallest king mackerels usually have spots of yellow and brown on their flanks. These fish have a spiny dorsal fin and large teeth which are close to each other and flat on the cross-section. Its tail is shaped like the tail of an arrow. The king mackerel has 15-18 spines in the first dorsal fin and around 16-18 rays in the secondary dorsal fin. This is followed by 7-10 finlets and 21-23 pectoral-fin rays. There are no scales on the pectoral fins of the kingfish.How cute are they?With small and hardly invisible scales and white spots on the elongated body sides and belly, the mackerel kingfish presents an elegant sight to behold.How do they communicate?Though there are no exact details about the communication techniques of the members of the king mackerel species, these fishes are assumed to communicate through vibrations. Kings perceive the frequency and vibrations in their surroundings and alert their groups in case of an emergency.How big is a king mackerel?King mackerels are the largest members of Genera Scomberomorus. The average length of these fishes ranges between 19.7-35.4 in. (50-90 cm). However, the maximum recorded king mackerel stands at about 72.4 in. (184 cm), which is much bigger than their Spanish cousins, the Spanish mackerel.How fast can a king mackerel swim?There are no exact details about the swimming speed of these open-water fishes. However, the members of king mackerels species are known to be quite agile and swift, particularly during hunting. In comparison to Spanish mackerels, the swimming speed of king mackerels is lesser.How much does a king mackerel weigh?The king mackerel is recognized to be a group of medium-sized silvery fishes. The average weight of these open water fishes lies between 11-30 lb (5-13.6 kg). However, this Gulf water species is known to reach a maximum weight of over 99 lb (45 kg) as well. In comparison, the Spanish mackerel is quite small in size.What are their male and female names of the species?There is no specific designation allotted to the members of species Scomberomorus cavalla based on their genders. Males are referred to as male king mackerel while females are referred to as female king mackerel.What would you call a baby king mackerel?The baby king mackerel is called a juvenile king mackerel. The juvenile kingfish is almost as big as an adult Spanish mackerel and has similar yellowish spots and the same fin.What do they eat?These Gulf water species are carnivorous organisms that like to feed on other aquatic animals. The king mackerel’s diet includes jacks, striped anchovies, squid, shrimps, fishes, and small marine animals. The feeding habits of these hunting fishes differ with season, area, prey, and size. The feeding habits vary greatly across different habitats.Are they dangerous?The king mackerel has not been known to harm human beings directly as sharks or jellyfish have. However, owing to the fact that it is an extremely popular culinary delicacy, there are some well-known advisories that go along with it. The main advisory that mackerel eaters must remember is that there are high chances that the catch you are eating has high contents of mercury in it that can prove to be not only poisonous and unhealthy for your body but could also lead to fatality if consumed in large and disproportionate amounts.Would they make a good pet?The king mackerel is essentially deep water, sea, or oceanic fish that requires an optimal temperature to survive. Moreover, even though it is only medium-sized, it is difficult to offer it enough space in an aquarium. Because its conditions can be met in its natural habitat and restricting it to an aquarium can be potentially harmful to them and their dorsal fin, these fish would not make good pets.Did you know…Trolling for king mackerel can host nearly 23 species of parasites.These fish are prey to dolphins and pelagic sharks.These mackerel fish can live to be as old as 20 years of age in their natural habitats.Do people eat king mackerel?Yes, the smoked king mackerel is an extremely popular culinary delicacy that is enjoyed by people all over the world. Typically, it is sold as fresh fish which is then cooked by frying, grilling, baking, or even smoking on fire, with some amount of marinade. Alternatively, these fish can also be eaten as steaks and fillets. This is the best way to cook king mackerel. Cooking a king mackerel recipe isn’t tiresome and a king mackerel diet can be healthy in moderation.Differences between king mackerels and other kinds of mackerelsWhen you compare Spanish mackerel vs king mackerel, you will understand that the king mackerel fish differs from the other types of mackerels in appearance and taste, and sometimes size. The dorsal fins of a king mackerel appear to be more chiseled than the other times and of a different color. Moreover, other mackerels, like Spanish mackerel, can live for longer and are usually smaller than the mackerel king.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these pacific salmon, or kingfisher.You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our King Mackerel coloring pages.
What type of animal is a king mackerel?
King mackerel is a fish that is a carnivore. The scientific name of these fishes is Scomberomorus Cavalla. These mackerels are widely found in the Gulf of Mexico and the western Atlantic Ocean. Some of the most popular species of king mackerel are Spanish mackerel, Indian mackerel, and Atlantic mackerel.
Fun King Mackerel Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Squid, shrimps, fishes, and small marine animals
What do they eat? Carnivores
Average litter size? 200,000-300,000 eggs
How much do they weigh? 10-99 lb (4.5-44.9 kg)
How long are they? 2-6.0 ft (0.6-1.8 m)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Grey color body and light white on the sides
Skin Type Smooth and oily surface
What were their main threats? Sharks, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Overfishing And Predators Like Whales
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Coastal Zones And Reefs
Locations Massachusetts, Gulf Of Mexico, Rio De Janeiro
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Scomberomorus
Class Actinopterygii
Family Scombridae
Fun King Mackerel Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Squid, shrimps, fishes, and small marine animals
What do they eat? Carnivores
Average litter size? 200,000-300,000 eggs
How much do they weigh? 10-99 lb (4.5-44.9 kg)
How long are they? 2-6.0 ft (0.6-1.8 m)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Grey color body and light white on the sides
Skin Type Smooth and oily surface
What were their main threats? Sharks, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Overfishing And Predators Like Whales
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Coastal Zones And Reefs
Locations Massachusetts, Gulf Of Mexico, Rio De Janeiro
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Scomberomorus
Class Actinopterygii
Family Scombridae
Fun King Mackerel Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Squid, shrimps, fishes, and small marine animals
What do they eat? Carnivores
Average litter size? 200,000-300,000 eggs
How much do they weigh? 10-99 lb (4.5-44.9 kg)
How long are they? 2-6.0 ft (0.6-1.8 m)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Grey color body and light white on the sides
Skin Type Smooth and oily surface
What were their main threats? Sharks, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Overfishing And Predators Like Whales
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Coastal Zones And Reefs
Locations Massachusetts, Gulf Of Mexico, Rio De Janeiro
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Scomberomorus
Class Actinopterygii
Family Scombridae
Fun King Mackerel Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Squid, shrimps, fishes, and small marine animals
What do they eat? Carnivores
Average litter size? 200,000-300,000 eggs
How much do they weigh? 10-99 lb (4.5-44.9 kg)
How long are they? 2-6.0 ft (0.6-1.8 m)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Grey color body and light white on the sides
Skin Type Smooth and oily surface
What were their main threats? Sharks, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Overfishing And Predators Like Whales
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Coastal Zones And Reefs
Locations Massachusetts, Gulf Of Mexico, Rio De Janeiro
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Scomberomorus
Class Actinopterygii
Family Scombridae
What do they prey on? Squid, shrimps, fishes, and small marine animals
What do they eat? Carnivores
Average litter size? 200,000-300,000 eggs
How much do they weigh? 10-99 lb (4.5-44.9 kg)
How long are they? 2-6.0 ft (0.6-1.8 m)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Grey color body and light white on the sides
Skin Type Smooth and oily surface
What were their main threats? Sharks, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Overfishing And Predators Like Whales
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Coastal Zones And Reefs
Locations Massachusetts, Gulf Of Mexico, Rio De Janeiro
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Scomberomorus
Class Actinopterygii
Family Scombridae
What do they prey on? Squid, shrimps, fishes, and small marine animals
What do they eat? Carnivores
Average litter size? 200,000-300,000 eggs
How much do they weigh? 10-99 lb (4.5-44.9 kg)
How long are they? 2-6.0 ft (0.6-1.8 m)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Grey color body and light white on the sides
Skin Type Smooth and oily surface
What were their main threats? Sharks, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Overfishing And Predators Like Whales
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
What do they prey on?
Squid, shrimps, fishes, and small marine animals
What do they eat?
Carnivores
Average litter size?
200,000-300,000 eggs
How much do they weigh?
10-99 lb (4.5-44.9 kg)
How long are they?
2-6.0 ft (0.6-1.8 m)
How tall are they?
N/A
What do they look like?
Grey color body and light white on the sides
Skin Type
Smooth and oily surface
What were their main threats?
Sharks, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Overfishing And Predators Like Whales
What is their conservation status?
Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Coastal Zones And Reefs
Locations Massachusetts, Gulf Of Mexico, Rio De Janeiro
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Scomberomorus
Class Actinopterygii
Family Scombridae
Where you’ll find them?
Coastal Zones And Reefs
Locations
Massachusetts, Gulf Of Mexico, Rio De Janeiro
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Scomberomorus
Kingdom
Animalia
Genus
Scomberomorus
Class Actinopterygii
Family Scombridae
