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Amberjack, Greater
Description
The largest of the jacks, coloration of the greater amberjack is generally characterized by a dark stripe on the head which extends from the origin of the first dorsal fin through the eye. They have no scutes and soft dorsal bases less than twice the length of the anal fin bases. The back is blue or olivaceous and the sides and belly are silvery-white. Occasionally there is an amber or pinkish cast to the body. Juveniles have have five or six dark vertical bars along the sides.
Average Length
24 - 36 inches
Average Weight
15 - 30 lbs
Temperature Range
68 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit
Habitat
A subtropical species, the greater amberjack is often associated with rocky reefs, floating debris and wrecks at depths ranging from 60-240 feet.
Range
Found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. In the western Atlantic, they are distributed from Nova Scotia to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.