Fish Facts » Amberjack
Description
Amberjack is the name of 3 species of Atlantic fish of the Carangidae family, which includes the jacks and the pompanos. Greater amberjacks, Seriola dumerili, are the largest of the jacks. They usually have dark stripes extending from nose to in front of their dorsal fins. They have no scutes and soft dorsal bases less than twice the length of the anal fin bases. Lesser amberjacks, Seriola fasciata, have a proportionately larger eye and deeper body than the greater amberjack. They are olive green or brownish-black with silver sides and usually have a dark band extending upward from their eyes. Juveniles have split or wavy bars on their sides. Banded Rudderfish, Seriola zonata, is the second smallest Amberjack. This Jack can be distinguished from the Pilotfish by the presence of a first dorsal fin. Juveniles are banded vertically like Pilotfish, and follow large objects or animals. Large individuals (over 10 inches) have no bands. This fish, though commonly caught, is rarely identified. Large ones, with a raccoon-sripe on the eye and an iridescent gold stripe on the side, are usually called Amberjacks when caught, and juveniles are called Pilotfish.
Habitat
Greater Amberjacks - Are found associated with rocky reefs, debris, and wrecks, typically in 20 to 75 meters (10 to 40 fathoms). Sometimes caught near shore in south Florida; juveniles associated with floating objects and may occur in water less than 10 meters deep Lesser Amberjacks - Are found deeper than other jacks, commonly 50 to 130 meters (30 to 70 fathoms). Banded Rudderfish - Are found as far north as Nova Scotia
Diet
Amberjacks are voracious predators, which feed on squid, fish, and crustaceans, and are thought to spawn offshore throughout most of the year.
Fishery
Amberjacks can be caught on Shrimp, Silversides, lures (eg Spoons) and flies.
Size
Greater Amberjacks - Usually 18 kg (40 pounds) or less Lesser Amberjacks - Adults are usually under 5 kg (10 lbs). Banded Rudderfish -
Source(s)
Wikipedia
Source(s) on the web
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amberjack