Cero

     Cero, also known as Cero Mackerel, or Scomberomorous regalis, is the smallest member of the Mackerel family. Cero are very similar to Spanish Mackerel, in fact the only difference between the two is the brown stripes on the tail fin of the Cero. The common weight of Cero is around 5 pounds (Fish Identification). The world record Cero was caught in Florida and weighed 17 pounds and 2 ounces (Cero Mackerel). 
     Physical features is not the only thing Cero have in common with Spanish Mackerel. Cero and Spanish are fished for the same way with the same bait. Trolling at high speeds is the best way to catch Cero Mackerel and using spoons is your best choice for bait. Trolling with white lures is also a good way to catch the attention of a Cero. Cero occasionally bite surface swimming plugs and occasionally live bait (GoFISHn). 
     Cero Mackerel are mainly found off Florida coasts and are rarely found anywhere North of Florida. Cero stay in Florida waters year round because they enjoy warm clear waters. Cero are usually found where there are bait fish, if you are fishing and you see a school of bait fish you know that there is most likely Cero in the area. Underwater reefs are also a playground for Cero and you rarely fish a reef without landing a Cero (International Game Fish Association). 
     Cero Mackerel, like the rest of the Mackerel family, is a very tasty fish. Here is a recipe courtesy of "foodnetwork"

Ingredients

• 2 medium cero mackerel , filleted, skin on
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed
• 4 ounces butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 or 2 limes

Directions

Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat and oil the grates with a brush or towel.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the smashed garlic.

Make 3 deep cuts on each side of the fish. Season fillets generously with salt and pepper. Place flesh side-down and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip fish over and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from grill and brush with some of the garlic butter(about 2 tablespoons).

Squeeze 1/2 of a lime over each fillet and serve immediately.

Works Cited

Altman, Joey. "Grilled Mackerel with Toasted Garlic Butter Recipe : : Food Network." Food Network - Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos. Web. 13 Nov. 2010. <http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/joey-altman/grilled-mackerel-with-toasted-garlic-butter-recipe/index.html>.

"Cero (cero Mackerel), Fish Identification." Indian River County, Florida - Home Page. Web. 13 Nov. 2010. <http://indian-river.fl.us/fishing/fish/mackcero.html>.

"Cero Mackerel." Florida Keys & Key West Vacation Planning Starts Here with the Official Florida Keys Tourism Council. Web. 13 Nov. 2010. <http://www.fla-keys.com/fishing/cero.htm>.

"Fish Identification." Indian River County, Florida - Home Page. Web. 13 Nov. 2010. <http://indian-river.fl.us/fishing/fish/mackcero.html>.

"GoFISHn." Fishing Reports, Fishing Maps, Pictures, Fishing Tips, and More on GoFISHn. Web. 13 Nov. 2010. <http://www.gofishn.com/content/fishing-for-cero-mackerel>.

"International Game Fish Association." Cero Mackerel. Web. 13 Nov. 2010. <http://www.igfa.org/species/156-mackerel-cero.aspx>.