Cero (Scomberomorus regalis) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 1–20 m.
Scientific name: Scomberomorus regalis · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 183 cm
The cero is a scombrid that is most abundant in clear waters around coral reefs, occasionally forming schools, and it is recorded from 1 to 20 m. It feeds on clupeoids, atherinids, squids and shrimps. Its range is the western Atlantic, from Massachusetts south to Brazil, including the Bahamas and the West Indies. Maximum length is about 183 cm total length, and it matures at about 40.5 cm. It is a minor commercial species and a gamefish, utilized fresh, smoked and frozen, with a high price category. Fishing vulnerability is high at 62 of 100 and resilience medium, and climate vulnerability is high at 57 of 100. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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