Greater Amberjack

Q: Can you eat 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.

Q: How big does Greater Amberjack get?

Greater Amberjack can grow up to 200.0 cm long and weigh 80.6 kg.

Q: Where is Greater Amberjack found?

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 platforms at 18–70 m depth. Pelagic, coral reefs

Q: Is Greater Amberjack endangered?

The conservation status of Greater Amberjack is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

Q: What family does Greater Amberjack belong to?

Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) belongs to the family Carangidae (Jacks and pompanos) in the order Carangiformes (Jacks and pompanos).

Abstract

Largest of the jacks, the greater amberjack is a muscular, deep-diving predator named for the amber-gold stripe that runs from eye to tail. It gathers around deepwater reefs, wrecks, and offshore platforms at 18 to 70 metres in warm seas worldwide, including the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Reaching two metres and 80 kilograms, it is notorious among anglers for brutal head-shaking runs toward structure. Its firm, rich flesh, related to the prized Japanese hamachi, can carry parasites in tropical waters and is best thoroughly cooked. The species is assessed as Least Concern and remains a mainstay of offshore sport fishing on live bait and vertical jigs.