Greater Amberjack

Credit: Illustration by Diane Rome Peebles

Family Carangidae

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

Similar fish: other Seriola

Where found: offshore species associated with rocky reefs, debris, and wrecks, typically in 60-240 feet of water; sometimes caught nearshore in south Florida; juveniles associate with floating objects and may occur in water less than 30 feet deep
Size: common to 40 pounds

Remarks: largest of the jacks; thought to spawn offshore throughout much of the year; feeds on squid, fish, and crustaceans