Greater Amberjack: Seriola dumerili

Appearance:

• A dark stripe (variably present) extends from nose to in front of dorsal fin and "lights up" when fish is in feeding mode
• No scutes
• The soft dorsal base less than twice the length of the anal fin base

Habitat:

Greater amberjack are an offshore species associated with rocky reefs, debris, and wrecks.  They are typically in 60 - 240 feet of water and sometimes caught nearshore in south Florida.  Juveniles are associated with floating objects and may occur in water less than 30 feet deep.

Behavior:

Great amberjacks are the largest of the jacks.  These fish are thought to spawn offshore throughout most of the year.  Greater amberjack feed on squid, fish, and crustaceans.

State Record:

142 lb, caught near Islamorada

Fishing Tips and Facts:

The greater amberjack is similar to other species in the Seriola genus.

Additional Information:

Greater amberjack are common to 40 pounds.

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles