Amberjack Fish

General Amberjack Description

Amberjacks are part of the Carangidae family which includes the Jacks and Pompanos. They are frequently called Yellowtail or Amberjack, which causes confusion as there are a number of species marketed by both  names. Ultimately, you need to know the scientific name if you are seeking a specific Amberjack or Yellowtail.

Amberjack have elongated, moderately compressed bodies. They have a slender head longer than their body depth and have 31-34 dorsal fin rays. They are generally blue, blueish-green or purplish green above and silver-white below. Amberjacks can be distinguished by their yellow caudal fins. Depending upon species (and whether they are wild or farmed), they can weigh up to 140 pounds.  Wild Amberjack have a tendency to have parasites.

Amberjack Description (Seriola quinqueradiata)

other names: Amberjack, Japanese Yellowtail, Kingfish, Hamachi (see sushi note above)
This Amberjack is native to the Pacific Ocean from Japan to Hawaii and Baja California. For culinary purposes the most abundant form of the fish on the market is farmed with an average weight of 6 1/2 to 11 pounds.

California Yellowtail Description (Seriola lalandi, Seriola dorsalis)

other names: Amberjack, Yellowtail Jack, Coronadao, White Salmon, Forktail, Hiramasa (see sushi note above)
California Yellowtail are among the largest member of the Jack family and are found in the wild along the California coast and Baja California. The largest recorded fish weighed 92 lb, but average commercial catch is 20 - 30 lb.

This species of Amberjack is also farmed in Japan and Australia. Although there are sustainability issues with farmed Amberjack (see below), the meat of the farmed fish is generally considered to be a higher quality than the wild Amberjack.

Greater Amberjack Description (Seriola dumerili)

other names: Amberjack, Atlantic Amberjack, Yellowtail, Dorado, Madregal, Kampachi (see sushi note above)
In US waters, Greater Amberjack range the Western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico. However, they are also found in the subtropical regions of the Indo-West Pacific, Mediterranean Sea, and both the Eastern & Western Atlantic.

They are the largest, and among the fastest growing fish, of the Jack family.  They can reach weights of up to about 142 pounds, but have an average weight of about 15 - 40 pounds. They have no scales.

Range & Habitat

Amberjack are found in subtropical regions around the globe including the Indo-West Pacific, Mediterranean Sea, and both the Eastern & Western Atlantic.  Farmed Amberjack is rasied in Japan, Australia, and Mexico.

AquaMaps    Data sources: GBIF OBIS

Typical Wholesale Products

  H&G, Fillets, Loins