North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Main graphic bar goes here

Download a PDF of this illustration

Mackerel Identification
Both King and Spanish Mackerel have gold spots on the body. Look at the lateral line and the black spot on the dorsal fin of the Spanish.
King Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
For more information contact:
NC Division of Marine Fisheries
252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632