Greater Amberjack

GREATER AMBERJACK - Seriola dumerili Family Carangidae, JACKS AND POMPANOS

Description: dark stripe (variably present) extends from nose to in front of dorsal fin and “lights up” when fish is in feeding mode; no scutes; soft dorsal base less than twice the length of the anal fin base.
Similar fish: other Seriola.
Where found: OFFSHORE species associated with rocky reefs, debris, and wrecks, typically in 60-240 feet of water; sometimes caught NEARSHORE; juveniles associate with floating objects and may occur in water less than 30 feet deep.
Size: common to 40 pounds.
Remarks: largest of the jacks; thought to spawn OFFSHORE throughout much of the year; feeds on squid, fish, and crustaceans.

Lesser Amberjack

LESSER AMBERJACK - Seriola fasciata Family Carangidae, JACKS AND POMPANOS

Description: olive green or brownish back and silver sides; dark band (variably present) extends backward and upward from eye; juveniles have split or wavy bars on sides; proportionately larger eye and deeper body than greater amberjack.
Similar fish: other Seriola.
Where found: NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, apparently living deeper than other Seriola (commonly 180-410 feet deep).
Size: usually under 10 pounds.
Remarks: believed to spawn offshore; adults eat fish, and squid.