Greater Amberjack vs Neon Tetra
Seriola dumerili compared with Paracheirodon innesi
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Neon Tetra |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Seriola dumerili | Paracheirodon innesi |
| Order | Carangiformes | Characiformes |
| Family | Carangidae | Characidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Neon Tetra |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 3.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 80.6 kg | 0.001 kg |
| Color | Olive-green to bluish back with a wide amber to golden-yellow mid-lateral stripe running from eye to tail; silvery-white belly; a dark diagonal stripe extends from snout through the eye to the dorsal fin. | Electric iridescent blue-green stripe from eye to adipose fin; vivid red stripe from mid-body to tail base; back olive-brown; belly silvery-white; all fins transparent and colorless. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Neon Tetra |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Freshwater |
| Depth Range | 1-385m | — |
| Geographic Range | Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters including the Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Commonly found around deepwater reefs, rocky outcrops, and offshore oil … | Native to blackwater tributaries of the upper Amazon River basin in Colombia, Peru, and Brazil. Inhabits slow, acidic, tannin-stained streams and flooded forest areas in … |
| Habitat | Pelagic, coral reefs | Warm, soft-water rivers and streams of the upper Amazon and Perú in South America. Prefers slow-moving blackwater with dense vegetation (pH 5.5-7.5, 20-26°C). Dense schooling … |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Neon Tetra |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | — | 40 L |
| Temperature | — | 20-26 |
| pH Range | — | 6.0-7.0 |
| Care Level | — | Easy |
| Temperament | — | Peaceful |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Neon Tetra |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | No |
| Fight Rating | 9/10 | — |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Greater Amberjack
Firm, rich flesh with a moderately strong flavor; can carry parasites in tropical waters, requiring thorough cooking. Good grilled or baked; related to the highly prized Japanese hamachi.
Neon Tetra
Not consumed — ornamental aquarium species kept for its vivid iridescent stripe and peaceful schooling behavior.
Species Overview
Greater Amberjack
The greater amberjack is the largest of the jacks, known for brutal head-shaking fights and powerful dives toward structure. Found near reefs, wrecks, and offshore platforms in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.
Neon Tetra
The neon tetra is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish, known for its iridescent blue and red horizontal stripes. Native to blackwater streams of the Amazon basin, it thrives in schools of six or more.