spanish mackerel
• noun
Any of several species of fast-swimming, pelagic marine fishes in the genus Scomberomorus, particularly the Atlantic Spanish mackerel, characterized by a slender, silvery body with bronze or yellow spots, commonly found in the warm coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
"During our deep-sea fishing trip off the coast of Florida, we managed to catch a large Spanish mackerel near the surface."
The edible flesh of the Spanish mackerel, highly regarded commercially and recreationally for its rich, oily texture and strong, distinctive flavor.
"The chef prepared a beautifully seared fillet of Spanish mackerel, served with a sharp citrus reduction to balance the naturally rich oils of the fish."
Word Nuance & Usage
The common name 'Spanish mackerel' refers to different species depending on the region; in North America, it typically denotes the Atlantic species (Scomberomorus maculatus), while in Australia, it usually refers to the much larger narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.