FISHES OF CHESAPEAKE BAY 
205 
The size of Chesapeake fish ranges mostly from 1 to 3 pounds. One of the largest Spanish 
mackerel observed from the bay was caught on September 21, 1922, at Ocean View, Va. This 
fish was 760 millimeters (30 inches) long and weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces. The largest fish ever 
recorded from anywhere, so far as known to us, weighed 25 pounds. This weight is very exceptional, 
however, the usual maximum weight for Atlantic coast fish being only about 10 pounds and the 
common range of market fish is V/£ to 4 pounds. 
Habitat . — Both coasts of America; on the Pacific from Cortez Banks south to the Galapagos 
Islands, and on the Atlantic from Maine to Brazil; common as far north as New York, stragglers 
occurring as far north as Monhegan, Me. 
Chesapeake localities. — -(a) Previous records: Various localities, from the mouth of the Potomac 
River southward. (6) Specimens in collection: None. The species was observed in the lower 
York River, Cape Charles, Buckroe Beach, Lynnhaven Roads, and Ocean View, Va. 
104. Scomberomorus regalis (Bloch). Cero. 
Scomber regalis Bloch, Ichthyol., 1795, PI. CCCXXXIII; Martinique. 
Cybium regale Ubler and Lugger, 1876, ed. I, p. Ill; ed. II, p. 93. 
Scomberomorus regalis Jordan and Evermann, 1896-1900, p. 875, PI. CXXXV, fig. 369. 
This fish was once recorded from “Chesapeake Bay near the ocean” by Uhler and Lugger 
(1876). It has not been reported by other writers and it was not seen during the present investi- 
gation. This species is distinguished from the Spanish mackerel principally by the color. The 
present species has elliptical bronzy spots on the sides and one or two longitudinal dark streaks. 
The Spanish mackerel also has bronzy spots on the sides, which, however, are less elongate, and 
Pig. 116 . — Scomberomorus regalis 
the dark longitudinal stripe or stripes are missing. The cero has the pectoral fins mostly covered 
with scales, whereas in the Spanish mackerel these fins are naked. 
The cero is a good fish, and in some localities where it is caught by trolling it is considered a 
good game fish. It is said to reach a weight of 35 pounds. 
Habitat. — Cape Cod, Mass., to Brazil; not common north of Florida. 
Chesapeake localities. — (a) Previous record: Chesapeake Bay near the ocean. (Uhler and 
Lugger, 1876.) ( b ) Specimens in the collection: None. 
79. Genus SARDA Cuvier. Bonito 
Body elongate, somewhat compressed; head large, pointed; mouth large; teeth on jaws rather 
strong, compressed, similar teeth on palatines, none on vomer or tongue; scales small, those of the 
pectoral region forming a corselet; a distinct lateral keel on caudal peduncle; first dorsal with 18 to 
22 spines; second dorsal and anal similar, each followed by 6 to 9 finlets; caudal broadly 
forked; ventrals and pectorals small; upper parts with longitudinal more or less oblique stripes. 
A single species of this genus occurs in Chesapeake Bay. 
