Fin's Fish Guide
The Yellowtail amberjack (Seriola lalandi) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 250 cm.
Temperate and subtropical seas in the southern hemisphere (around Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America) and the northern Pacific, pelagic near reefs, wrecks and rocky coasts.
Description
The yellowtail amberjack or kingfish is a large, powerful jack of the family Carangidae reaching about 2.5 metres. The streamlined, silvery-blue body bears a yellow lengthwise stripe along the flank and ends in a yellow, deeply crescent-shaped tail. The species lives pelagically in temperate and subtropical seas of the southern hemisphere and the northern Pacific, often around reefs, wrecks and rocky shores. In fast schools it hunts schooling fish, squid and crustaceans. The yellowtail amberjack is one of the most prized sport fish in the world, fighting hard on the line; it is also farmed and regarded as an excellent food fish (kingfish/hamachi).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Yellowtail amberjack?
The Yellowtail amberjack has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Large, powerful jack with a yellow longitudinal stripe and a yellow, deeply crescent-shaped tail; a fast open-water hunter.
Where does the Yellowtail amberjack live?
The Yellowtail amberjack lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Temperate and subtropical seas in the southern hemisphere (around Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America) and the northern Pacific, pelagic near reefs, wrecks and rocky coasts.
How big does the Yellowtail amberjack get?
The Yellowtail amberjack grows to a maximum of about 250 cm. On average the species is around 80 cm.
Is the Yellowtail amberjack dangerous to humans?
No, the Yellowtail amberjack is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Yellowtail amberjack edible?
Yes, the Yellowtail amberjack is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Seriola
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the Yellowtail amberjack?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Yellowtail amberjack is one of 12,519 species in the app.