Overview
The Pacific sierra is most easily distinguished by pigment and color pattern. It is silver-blue above and silvery white on the lower sides and belly with a series of yellow-brown spots on the sides. The anterior half of the first spiny part of the dorsal fin is jet black, in contrast to the lighter remainder of the fin.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Scombridae
- Genus
- Scomberomorus
- Species
- sierra
Habitat
A schooling species, the Pacific Sierra is fast moving, It occurs near the surface of coastal waters over the continental shelf and is believed to spawn close to the coast over most of its range.
Diet
A voracious predator feeding on small fishes, especially anchovies and herrings.
Behavior
Pacific sierra mackerel form large schools to hunt and evade predators, often swimming at high speeds in open waters. They are primarily diurnal, actively pursuing prey during daylight hours. These fish exhibit aggressive feeding frenzies when schools of baitfish are encountered.
Fishing
The Pacific Sierra is the most abundant game fish along the Pacific coasts of Mexico and Central America. Anglers employ a variety of natural baits and artificial lures with wire leaders to guard against their sharp teeth. (See also mackerel, cero and Spanish)
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.