Greater Amberjack

Overview

The Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) is a large, predatory fish and the largest member of the Carangidae family. It is a highly migratory, circumglobal species found in tropical and warm temperate seas, where it is valued by both commercial and recreational fisheries.

Distribution & habitat

This species has a wide, circumglobal distribution across the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Adults typically inhabit deep seaward reefs, rocky outcrops, and shipwrecks, though they may occasionally venture into coastal bays. Juveniles are often found in offshore waters, where they associate with floating plants or debris.

Appearance

The Greater Amberjack features an elongated, fusiform body that is slightly compressed laterally. Adults are generally bluish-grey or olivaceous above and silvery-white below, often marked by a characteristic amber-colored stripe running along the midside of the body. A dark, oblique band typically extends from the corner of the mouth, through the eye, and toward the top of the head.

Feeding

As opportunistic predators, their diet shifts as they grow. Young individuals primarily consume zooplankton, while adults transition to a piscivorous diet, feeding on a variety of pelagic fish—such as bigeye scad—as well as cephalopods and various invertebrates.

Biology & behavior

Greater Amberjacks are known for their rapid growth and strong association with specific thermal patterns, which influence their migratory movements. They are gonochoric, meaning they have separate sexes, and reach sexual maturity between 4 and 5 years of age. While juveniles may form small schools or remain solitary, the species is generally recognized for its migratory nature and adaptability to varying marine environments.