Greater Amberjack

About Greater Amberjack 

The greater amberjack is a saltwater game fish that is typically found in subtropical regions around the world. This species can reach almost 6 feet in length. Above the fish’s body is a bluish grey or dark grey color, while it has a silvery white below. You can also identify this species by the amber stripe in the middle of its body. It is a slender fish with a pointed head and small eyes. Biggest of its big size, the greater amberjack primarily feeds on smaller fish and marine invertebrates. Their diet includes squid, crustaceans, sardines, and bigeye scad.  

Interesting Greater Amberjack Facts 

• The greater amberjack is a popular recreational game fish in Europe and North America because of its size. However, being at the apex of the marine food chain also means that this fish carries a considerable risk of ciguatera poisoning.  
• The dark amber strip on the head of the greater amberjack that extends to its first dorsal fin becomes a darker color when the fish is feeding or excited. 
• Apart from its size, the greater amberjack is greatly prized for its high quality meat and commercial value. 
• Farming of the greater amberjack began in the 1980s in the Mediterranean by fattening wild caught juveniles that were about 100 g in size. They were then cultured in tanks and cages in Italy and Spain. This marked the beginning of the commercial production of the greater amberjack.  
• Currently, it is considered one of the most important species in the commercial production of fish around the Mediterranean, and in North and South America. 

Fish Size  

As a large fish, the greater amberjack grows up to 6.2 feet in length. On average, these species reach a weight of 39.7 pounds. They live up to 17 years, reaching sexual maturity at around 4 to 5 years old. Typically, females grow larger and live longer than their male counterparts.  

Fishing Habitat and Distribution 

The greater amberjack can be found in deep seaward reefs in subtropical regions around the globe. This includes countries around the Indo-West Pacific Ocean, the Western Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Despite being present around the world, Japan is the largest producer of the greater amberjack. It is usually found between 59 and 1181 feet below sea level. 

The spawning period for the species depends on the area of its habitat. Greater amberjacks in the Mediterranean spawn from May to July while in the western Atlantic, adults spawn from March to May. In the Pacific, spawning happens from February to June, while in the eastern Atlantic, from April to September. There are different spawning periods because the fish migrates in order to reproduce.

Fishing Technique 

Anglers who would want to catch greater amberjack will need the necessary equipment: non-stainless steel circle hooks and at least one dehooking device. Make sure to lure or bait the fish by the bottom. Both metal jigs or live baitfish are effective in amberjack fishing since the species is not that picky when it comes to its prey. When fishing the greater amberjack, it is important for anglers to remember that the daily bag limit is one per person.