Fin's Fish Guide
The Greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 190 cm.
Circumglobal in tropical and warm-temperate seas: Indo-West Pacific, western Atlantic (Nova Scotia to Brazil) and eastern Atlantic to Morocco and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The greater amberjack is a powerful, streamlined predator of the family Carangidae reaching up to 190 cm. The body is bluish-grey to olive above and silvery-white below, with a striking amber stripe along the midside and a dark oblique band through the eye. The species occurs circumglobally in warm seas, including the Mediterranean, with juveniles schooling around floating debris and adults moving to deeper reefs. It hunts mainly fish and invertebrates. The greater amberjack is a sought-after sport and food fish, though it can locally cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Greater amberjack?
The Greater amberjack has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Powerful, streamlined predator with an amber longitudinal stripe along the middle of the body and a dark oblique band across the eye.
Where does the Greater amberjack live?
The Greater amberjack lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Circumglobal in tropical and warm-temperate seas: Indo-West Pacific, western Atlantic (Nova Scotia to Brazil) and eastern Atlantic to Morocco and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Greater amberjack get?
The Greater amberjack grows to a maximum of about 190 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.
Is the Greater amberjack dangerous to humans?
The flesh of the Greater amberjack is poisonous, so don't eat it. It has no venomous spines. Harmless to handle, but may cause ciguatera poisoning if eaten; seek medical help if symptoms such as nausea or tingling occur.
Is the Greater amberjack edible?
Yes, the Greater amberjack is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Greater amberjack and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Greater amberjack?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Greater amberjack is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Seriola
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the Greater amberjack?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Greater amberjack is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone