Seriola

Seriola is a genus of marine ray-finned fish in the family Carangidae, commonly known as amberjacks. Members of Seriola are large, fast-swimming predators that inhabit warm temperate and tropical seas and are valued for sport and commercial fisheries.

Distribution and habitat: Seriola species occur worldwide in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, typically in coastal to offshore waters over continental shelves and around reefs. They form schools and can undertake seasonal migrations, occupying depths from near the surface to midwater.

Description: Seriola species have a compressed, elongated body and a two-part dorsal fin with a spiny front. The lateral line is strongly arched. Coloration varies, but many species exhibit a blue-green back, silvery sides, and yellow or golden markings along the flank, which contributes to the common name amberjack in some contexts.

Species: The genus includes several species, among them the greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili), the Japanese amberjack or yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata), the yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi), and the almaco jack (Seriola rivoliana).

Biology: They are diurnal predators feeding on fish, squid, and crustaceans. They grow rapidly and can reach substantial sizes, with lifespans that vary by species. Reproduction involves broadcast spawning with pelagic eggs and larvae.

Fisheries and conservation: Seriola species are important for commercial and recreational fisheries worldwide. Some stocks have faced overfishing or require management measures such as size or harvest quotas. Conservation status is species-specific and ranges from Least Concern to Near Threatened in IUCN assessments.