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Amberjack (Seriola fasciata) — Carangidae

Amberjack

Seriola fasciata
Family: Carangidae
LC · Least Concern
NativeIntroduced

The Amberjack (Seriola fasciata) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 68 cm.

Length
67.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
55.0–348.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Atlantic Ocean; near the bottom in deeper coastal waters.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The lesser amberjack is a jack (Carangidae) from the Atlantic Ocean. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with a yellow tinge and a dark stripe through the eye; juveniles have conspicuous crossbars. Adults live near the bottom in deeper coastal water, while juveniles roam at the surface in open water. As a fast predator it hunts small fishes and crustaceans. It is a food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Amberjack?

The Amberjack has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Streamlined, fast predator; juveniles with vertical bars, adults near the bottom in deeper water. Note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with care or avoid in risk areas.

Where does the Amberjack live?

The Amberjack lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Atlantic Ocean; near the bottom in deeper coastal waters.

How big does the Amberjack get?

The Amberjack grows to a maximum of about 68 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.

Is the Amberjack dangerous to humans?

The Amberjack is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Amberjack edible?

Yes, the Amberjack is commonly eaten.

More photos

Amberjack (Seriola fasciata) — Carangidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) IHUNTA, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Amberjack (Seriola fasciata) — Carangidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) J.D. Willson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

Easily confused with

These species look like the Amberjack and live in the same waters.

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All data

Identification

English name
Amberjack verified
Scientific name
Seriola fasciata
Family
Carangidae
Other names
False amberjack; Lesser Amberjack; Lesser amberjack; Little amberjack verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
67.5 verified
Average length (cm)
50.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
55.0 verified
Max depth (m)
348.0 verified
Natural range
Atlantic Ocean; near the bottom in deeper coastal waters. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes and crustaceans sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Streamlined, fast predator; juveniles with vertical bars, adults near the bottom in deeper water. Note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with care or avoid in risk areas. verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Seriola

More from the family Carangidae

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