How to Identify Greater Amberjack

To identify Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal side dark blue to greenish-blue, fading to silvery-white on the belly. A prominent amber-colored stripe often extends from the snout through the eye to the first dorsal fin. Juveniles exhibit vertical bars and often have a more pronounced amber stripe.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Amber-colored stripe from snout to first dorsal fin (can be faint in large adults), Absence of scutes on the lateral line (distinguishes from other Carangids), First dorsal fin much shorter than the second dorsal fin, Forked caudal fin

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first is short with 7-8 spines, the second is much longer with 1 spine and 29-34 soft rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Relatively short pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin similar in shape and size to the second dorsal fin, preceded by 2 detached spines (often embedded in adults).

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Amber Stripe

   Look for the characteristic amber-colored stripe running from the snout through the eye to the first dorsal fin. While prominent in juveniles, it can be faint or absent in very large adults.

2. 2

   Lateral Line

   Unlike many other jacks, the Greater Amberjack lacks scutes (bony plates) on its lateral line, which is a key distinguishing feature.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fins

   The first dorsal fin is significantly shorter than the second dorsal fin. The second dorsal and anal fins are long and sickle-shaped.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Its robust, elongated, and somewhat compressed body, tapering towards the caudal fin, is characteristic.

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