Greater Amberjack vs Whale Shark
Seriola dumerili compared with Rhincodon typus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Whale Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Seriola dumerili | Rhincodon typus |
| Order | Carangiformes | Orectolobiformes |
| Family | Carangidae | Rhincodontidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Endangered |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Whale Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 1800.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 80.6 kg | 21500.0 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 gray to blue-gray back covered with a distinctive checkerboard grid of pale white or cream spots and transverse stripes; belly white; the unique spot pattern is unique to each individual. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Whale Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 1-385m | 0-1928m |
| 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 … | Pantropical in open oceanic and coastal waters between 30°N and 35°S. Aggregates seasonally at feeding sites including Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, the Gulf of … |
| Habitat | Pelagic, coral reefs | Neritic, coral reefs |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Whale Shark |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Whale Shark
Endangered species — consumption is strongly discouraged and illegal in many countries. Historically consumed in parts of Asia; now internationally protected under CITES Appendix II.
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.
Whale Shark
The whale shark is the largest living fish species, reaching lengths of up to 18 meters. Despite its enormous size, it is a gentle filter feeder that consumes plankton, fish eggs, and small fish by swimming with its wide mouth open.