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Guinean amberjack (Seriola carpenteri) — Carangidae

Guinean amberjack

Seriola carpenteri
Family: Carangidae
NativeIntroduced

The Guinean amberjack (Seriola carpenteri) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 73 cm.

Length
72.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–200.0 m
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo, Congo Dem Rp, Benin and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Guinean amberjack is an amberjack (Carangidae) from coastal and open water of the eastern Atlantic, off West Africa. The species grows to about 70 cm and has an elongate, streamlined, silvery body, often with a yellow or dark longitudinal band. As a fast, schooling predator it hunts small fish and squid in the water column. It is a valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Guinean amberjack?

The Guinean amberjack has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey. 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 Guinean amberjack live?

The Guinean amberjack lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo, Congo Dem Rp, Benin and others

How big does the Guinean amberjack get?

The Guinean amberjack grows to a maximum of about 73 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.

Is the Guinean amberjack dangerous to humans?

No, the Guinean amberjack is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Guinean amberjack edible?

Yes, the Guinean amberjack is commonly eaten.

More photos

Guinean amberjack (Seriola carpenteri) — Carangidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — oscar310306 (CC BY 4.0) [illustratie/foto]
Guinean amberjack (Seriola carpenteri) — Carangidae — 3
GBIF (ska)

Easily confused with

These species look like the Guinean amberjack and live in the same waters.

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All data

Identification

English name
Guinean amberjack sourced
Scientific name
Seriola carpenteri
Family
Carangidae
Other names
Guinean amberjack verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
72.5 verified
Average length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
200.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo, Congo Dem Rp, Benin and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
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 inferred
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
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

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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