Spanish mackerel

American  

noun

1. an American game fish, Scomberomorus maculatus, inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean.

2. any of various similar scombroid fishes.

3. (in California) the jack mackerel.

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Spanish mackerel British  

noun

1. Also called: kingfish. any scombroid food fish of the genus Scomberomorus, esp S. maculatus, of American coastal regions of the Atlantic: family Scombridae (mackerels, tunnies, etc)

2. a mackerel, Scomber colias, of European and E North American coasts that is similar to the common Atlantic mackerel

3. any of various related marine food fishes, esp Scomberomerus Commerson

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Etymology

Origin of Spanish mackerel

An Americanism dating back to 1660–70

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Spanish mackerel

"We were chasing Spanish mackerel and had one eaten by a pack of six of them, four metres off the edge of the boat," he told AFP.

From Barron's ● May 24, 2026

Others traditionally caught off Japan’s southern shores, like yellowtail or Spanish mackerel, are reappearing in northern waters, according to industry groups.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2023

Or sagoshi, as Spanish mackerel is called when it’s young and its flesh still has a mild flavor and a pale blush.

From New York Times ● Aug. 31, 2021

Spanish mackerel has had improved success recently on cut bait, squid or shrimp.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 2, 2019

"Good to eat, is it?" asked Jerry, eyeing the forked tail, which, in this fish, resembles that of the Spanish mackerel.

From The Outdoor Chums on the Gulf by Quincy Allen

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