Introduction
The Yellowtail Amberjack is a fish species belonging to the Seriola family. It’s a robust and fast-growing species, primarily found in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Conservation Status
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Yellowtail Amberjack is currently listed as ‘Least Concern’. This denotes that the species isn’t directly threatened with extinction. Conservation efforts are underway to ensure that the population remains stable and unaffected by overfishing and habitat degradation.
Statistics
| Average Length | 70-80 cm |
|---|---|
| Length Range | 15-100 cm |
| Average Weight | 3-5 kg |
| Weight Range | Up to 10 kg |
| Average Lifespan | 15-20 years |
Distribution
Yellowtail Amberjack habitat spans both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans alike, having a penchant especially for warm, temperature tropical and subtropical zones. They undertake offshore migrations in the autumn and winter seasons.
Habitats
The Yellowtail Amberjack is essentially a marine species favouring saltwater habitat. They are mostly found at a water depth of 1 to 360 meters and flourish at temperature ranges from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius.
When and Where to See
The species can be viewed in abundance during the late spring to summer months given the appropriate water temperatures. The fish are usually noticed near the water surface during daylight hours.
Best Fishing Locations
Some of the top fishing locations for Yellowtail Amberjack include:
- Florida Keys, USA
- Baja California, Mexico
- Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast
- New South Wales, Australia
- Kanto region, Japan
- Andaman Sea, Thailand
How to Catch
Yellowtail Amberjack are visually-oriented predators, making lures and live baits like squids and mackerels a fine choice. Techniques such as trolling and jigging can be effective. Summer is usually the most fruitful season for fishing.
Identification Guide
The Yellowtail Amberjack is a large, silvery fish, with a distinctive yellow tail and a dark band across its eye. It is easily distinguishable from similar species due to its specific color pattern and physical structure.
Culinary
The Yellowtail Amberjack is a popular fish in both the commercial and recreational fishing industry due to its delicious, firm white meat. It is rich in protein, vitamins, and beneficial fats. The fish can be prepared in a variety of ways, with grilling and baking being the most common.
Additional Information
The feeding habits of the species include smaller fish and squids, whereas mating rituals involve a group gathering during the spawning season. The fishing industry, habitat degradation, and pollution serve as major threats for the species.
References and Further Reading
To learn more about the Yellowtail Amberjack, you may refer to the FishBase Database and the University of Florida’s Museum of Natural History.