Greater Amberjack

Seriola dumerili

Managed by: NOAA Fisheries, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Regions

New England/Mid-AtlanticSoutheast

Protected status

None

Also known as

AmberjackMedregalCoronado

Species Profile

Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.

FWC

Size

Up to 60 inches (176 pounds); common around 40 inches and under 40 pounds Similar Species: Other jack species

Similar species

Other jack species

Appearance

Olive green or brownish back and silver sides
Dark stripe from nose to front of dorsal fin that “lights up” when fish is in feeding mode
Anal fin is about 2/3 the length of the second dorsal fin
11-19 gill rakers present on each gill arch
No scutes (bone-like projections) on body

Habitat

Offshore species associated with rocky reefs, debris and wrecks, typically in 60 to 240 feet of water. Sometimes caught nearshore in south Florida. Juveniles associate with floating objects and may occur in water less than 30 feet deep.

Behavior

Largest of the jacks. Thought to spawn offshore throughout most of the year. Feed on squid, fish, and crustaceans.

Additional information

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Seafood Profile

NOAA FishWatch

Population

In the South Atlantic, the stock is not overfished. In the Gulf of America, the stock is overfished, but the fishing rate established under a rebuilding plan promotes population growth.

Fishing rate

In the South Atlantic and the Gulf of America, not subject to overfishing.

Bycatch

Bycatch is low because the gears used to catch greater amberjack are selective.

Taste

Greater amberjack has a sweet, mild flavor.

Texture

Tender, firm, and delicate. The high oil content gives it a buttery texture.

Sources

Managed by: NOAA Fisheries, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

NOAA Species Directory

FWC Wildlife Habitats Profile (FL)

FishWatch (NOAA)

Image credit: NOAA Fisheries/Jack Hornady