Greater Amberjack vs Swordfish
Seriola dumerili compared with Xiphias gladius
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Swordfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Seriola dumerili | Xiphias gladius |
| Order | Carangiformes | Istiophoriformes |
| Family | Carangidae | Xiphiidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Swordfish |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 455.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 80.6 kg | 650.0 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. | Dark brown to blackish-purple back contrasting sharply with a pale cream-white belly; sides are dull bronze-brown; large crescent-shaped tail fin is dark; skin scaleless and leathery. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Swordfish |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 1-385m | 0-2878m |
| 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 … | Cosmopolitan in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, including the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Makes deep vertical migrations between surface feeding and depths … |
| Habitat | Pelagic, coral reefs | Oceanic and neritic zones worldwide in temperate and tropical seas; surface to 650m. Highly migratory, following prey into cold, productive upwelling zones. Rarely found near … |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Swordfish |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 9/10 | 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.
Swordfish
Dense, meaty flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor; moderate fat and steak-like texture. Ideal for grilling, broiling, or searing; pairs well with lemon-herb or citrus salsas.
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.
Swordfish
The swordfish is a highly migratory pelagic predator recognized by its long, flat, pointed bill. It can dive to depths exceeding 2,800 meters and possesses a specialized organ that heats its eyes and brain for improved vision in cold, deep water.