Common in the coastal zone from North Carolina to Brazil, it occurs as far south as Rio de Janeiro, and occasionally as far north as the Gulf of Maine and found in Western coast of India predominantly in the Arabian Sea as well as in the East coast of India Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean.

Larger kings (heavier than 9 kg or 20 lb) often occur inshore, in the mouths of inlets and harbors, and occasionally even at the 180 m (590 ft) depths at the edge of the Gulf Stream.

Yearling fish typically attain an average weight of 1.4–1.8 kg (3.1–4.0 lb) and a fork length of 60 cm (24 in).

Depending on area and season, they favor squid, menhaden and other sardine-like fish (Clupeidae), jacks (Carangidae), cutlassfish (Trichiuridae), weakfish (Sciaenidae), grunts (Haemulidae), striped anchovies (Engraulidae), cigar minnows, threadfin, northern mackerel, and blue runners.

King mackerel are among the most sought-after gamefish throughout their range from North Carolina to Texas.

Known throughout the sportfishing world for their blistering runs, the king mackerel matches its distant relative, the wahoo, in speed.

They are also taken commercially by trolling with large planers, heavy tackle and lures similar to those used by sport fishers.

[4] Several organizations have found success in promoting tournament events for this species because of their popularity as a sport fish.

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, king mackerel is one of four fishes, along with swordfish, shark, and tilefish, that children and pregnant women should avoid due to high levels of methylmercury found in these fish and the consequent risk of mercury poisoning[broken anchor].

They may be distinguished as follows: The lateral line on Atlantic Spanish mackerel and cero slopes gradually from the top edge of the gill to the tail.

The first (spiny) dorsal fin on Atlantic Spanish mackerel and cero has a prominent black patch.

As all three species normally keep the first dorsal folded back in a body groove, this difference is not immediately evident.