Description:
The cero is an elongate, strongly compressed scombrid that reaches 32 inches  in length and may weigh up to11 pounds, though most average under 6 pounds.  Body color is typically dark blue to blue-green dorsally, becoming silver along the sides and ventrally.  The spinous portion of the dorsal fin is separated from the soft rays by a deep notch.  The first dorsal fin is black in the anterior third, and white posteriorly.  The second dorsal fin is curved.  Yellow to yellow-orange spots form ovals and streak-like lines on either side of a yellow-brown stripe that runs along the sides from the pectoral fins to the base of the tail.  The lateral line curves downward at the second dorsal fin and oscillates somewhat as it extends to the narrow caudal peduncle, which has 3 keels on each side.  Eight to nine finlets are set behind both the the second dorsal fin and the anal fin.  The caudal fin is deeply forked.  Scales cover the entire body, including the pectoral fins. The head slopes gently to a short snout, and a large, terminal mouth.  The maxilla reaches the rear edge of the eye.  No swim bladder is present.

Habitat:
The cero is typically epipelagic.  It is most abundant around reefs and other areas where waters are clear and depth ranges from approximately 3 - 66 feet.  They can be common in the vicinity of coral reefs, ledges and shipwrecks and occasionally form small feeding schools, but are typically solitary.

Similar Species:
The cero is potentially confused with the Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus.  The bronze, lateral stripe and the presence of scales on the pectoral fins of the cero help distinguish it from the Spanish mackerel, which lacks both of these traits.   

Range:
The cero occurs in the Western Atlantic from Massachusetts south to Brazil, including Bermuda, the Bahamas and West Indies.  Cero are especially common in the southern reaches of the range in the Bahamas and West Indies.