Overview
To tell the greater amberjack from the almaco jack, look at the second dorsal fin-lobe. In the almaco jack, the front few rays of the second dorsal fin are about twice as long or longer than the longest dorsal spines. In the greater amberjack, the second dorsal fin-lobe is not much higher than the front, spiny part of the fin. The body color may be almost uniformly brownish or olivaceus with the sides and belly lighter, sometimes with brassy or lavender reflections. There is often a dark nucal bar through the eye to the upper back and sometimes an amber stripe extends from the eye along the body.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Characiformes
- Family
- Carangidae
- Genus
- Seriola
- Species
- rivoliana
Habitat
Almaco jacks inhabit the outer reef slopes and offshore banks, where they may form small schools. They are rarely caught in inshore waters. Young almaco jacks are often seen far offshore around floating objects.
Diet
Almaco jacks primarily feed on smaller fish such as mackerel and sardines, as well as squid and crustaceans like shrimp and crabs. They are active predators that hunt in schools or individually, often during the day in open water. Feeding occurs near the bottom or mid-water columns around reefs and structures.
Behavior
Almaco jacks are schooling fish that often form loose groups around reefs or offshore structures, particularly juveniles, while adults may be more solitary. They are diurnal, most active during the day for feeding and migrating, and can exhibit aggressive behavior when competing for food. These fish are known for their strong swimming capabilities and occasional long-distance migrations following currents.
Fishing
Almaco jacks are not generally fished for selectively but are incidental catches while targeting other pelagic fishes. The almaco jack is very palatable and regarded as very good to eat by some. But, it may cause ciguatera poisoning, particularly in coral reef areas. (See also amberjack, greater).
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.