Reproduction of Spanish Mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus, from the Southeastern United States

Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus, were collected during 1977-80 in the Gulf of Mexico and from North Carolina to south Florida during 1980-81 to describe their reproductive biology. The major spawning period extended from May to September in all areas and peaked during the spring and early summer. Most fish were mature at about 350 mm FL, but size at maturity varied between sexes and sampling areas. Males matured at a smaller size than females. Fecundity was estimated from 52 fish from all areas and ranged from about 100,000 eggs for a 328 mm (295 g) fish to 2,113,000 eggs for a 626 mm (2,415 g) fish. Fork length and total weight were equally good predictors of fecundity