Yellowtail amberjack

{{Short description|Species of fish}} {{See also|Menticirrhus americanus}} {{redirect|Yellowtail kingfish|the trevally|Blacktip trevally}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}} {{Speciesbox | image = Yellowtail amberjack.jpg | status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1 | status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Smith-Vaniz, W.F. |author2=Williams, I. |date=2015 |title=''Seriola lalandi'' |volume=2015 |article-number=e.T195097A43155921 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T195097A43155921.en |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref> | taxon = Seriola lalandi | authority = Valenciennes, 1833 | synonyms = *''Seriola aureovittata'' Temminck & Schlegel, 1845 *''Lichia pappei'' Bleeker,1859 *''Seriola pappei'' (Bleeker, 1859) *''Halatractus dorsalis'' Gill, 1863 *''Seriola dorsalis'' (Gill, 1863) *''Seriola grandis'' Castelnau, 1872 *''Seriola mazatlana'' Steindachner, 1876 *''Seriola foncki'' Delfin, 1903 *''Seriola banisteri'' J.L.B. Smith, 1959 | synonyms_ref = <ref name = Fishbase>{{FishBase|Seriola|lalandi|month=August|year=2019}}</ref> }}

The '''yellowtail amberjack''', '''yellowtail kingfish, hiramasa''' or '''great amberjack''' ('''''Seriola lalandi''''') is a large fish found in the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere. Although previously thought to be found in all oceans and seas, recent genetic analysis restricts ''S. lalandi'' proper to the Southern Hemisphere waters.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Martinez-Takeshita|first1=N.|first2=D. M.|last2=Purcell|first3=C. L.|last3=Chabot|first4=M. T.|last4=Craig|first5=C. N.|last5=Paterson|first6=J. R.|last6=Hyde|first7=L. G.|last7=Allen|year=2015|title=A tale of three tails: cryptic speciation in a globally distributed marine fish of the genus ''Seriola''|journal=Copeia|volume=103|issue=2|pages=357–368|doi=10.1643/CI-124-224}}</ref> However, they are found in Northern Hemisphere waters during certain times of the year.{{citation needed|date=April 2026}} The fish was given its name by Monsieur de Lalande, a naturalist who first informed zoologist Achille Valenciennes of the existence of this species. His reason for the use of the word ''Seriola'' (feminine diminutive form of ''seria'', a large earthenware pot) to name the fish is uncertain, but the second word ''lalandi'' was derived from his surname.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://australianmuseum.net.au/learn/animals/fishes/yellowtail-kingfish-seriola-lalandi/|title=Yellowtail Kingfish, Seriola lalandi Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1833| author=Australian Museum | author-link=Australian Museum |date=2020-03-09|website=The Australian Museum|language=en|access-date=2020-03-09}}</ref>

==Taxonomy== The yellowtail amberjack was formally described in 1833 by French zoologist Achille Valenciennes from type specimens sent to him<ref name = CofF>{{Cof record|spid=15456|title=''Seriola lalandi''|access-date=22 November 2019}}</ref> by naturalist and explorer Pierre Antoine Delalande, who is honoured in its specific name.<ref name = ETYFish>{{cite web | url = http://www.etyfish.org/carangiformes/ | work = The ETYFish Project Fish Name Etymology Database | author1 = Christopher Scharpf | author2 = Kenneth J. Lazara | date = 10 August 2019 | title= Order CARANGIFORMES (Jacks) | access-date = 23 November 2019 | publisher = Christopher Scharpf and Kenneth J. Lazara}}</ref> FishBase includes populations of similar fish in the Northern Hemisphere within this species,<ref name = Fishbase/> but other authorities regard ''S. aureovittata'' from the North Pacific Ocean around Japan and ''S. dorsalis'' of the northeastern Pacific as separate species.<ref name = COFG>{{Cof genus|genus=''Seriola''|access-date=23 November 2019}}</ref>

==Distribution and habitat== [[File:Naturalis Biodiversity Center - RMNH.ART.196 - Seriola aureovittata Temminck and Schlegel - Kawahara Keiga - 1823 - 1829 - Siebold Collection - pencil drawing - water colour.jpeg|thumb|left|Yellowtail amberjack, painting by Kawahara Keiga (川原慶賀), 1823–1829]] [[File:Yellowtail amberjack for sale in Shimane Mar 12 2020 .jpeg|thumb|Yellowtail amberjack (''hiramasa'') being sold at a market in Shimane Prefecture, Japan]] The yellowtail amberjack occurs in tropical and temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere and the northern Pacific. In Australia, it is recorded from North Reef, Queensland, (23° 11′ S) to Trigg Island, Western Australia, (31° 52′ S), and as far south as Tasmania.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://australianmuseum.net.au/learn/animals/fishes/yellowtail-kingfish-seriola-lalandi/|title=Yellowtail Kingfish, Seriola lalandi Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1833| author=Australian Museum |date=2020-03-09|website=The Australian Museum|language=en|access-date=2020-03-09}}</ref>

The yellowtail amberjack (or yellowtail kingfish as it is known in Australia) is a highly mobile pelagic species, and tends to either form single-species schools, or combine with southern bluefin tuna (''Thunnus maccoyii'') and silver trevally (''Pseudocaranx dentex''). They prefer water temperatures of 17‒24 °C.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Roelofs |first1=Anthony |last2=Lewis |first2=Paul |last3=Rogers |first3=Paul |last4=Georgeson |first4=Lee |last5=Tracey |first5=Sean |last6=Victorian Fisheries |first6=Authority |title=Yellowtail Kingfish 2020 |url=https://www.fish.gov.au/report/348-Yellowtail-Kingfish-2020 |website=Fisheries Research and Development Corporation |access-date=2 August 2021}}</ref>

In general, they inhabit rocky reefs and adjacent sandy areas in coastal waters and occasionally enter estuaries. They are found from shallow water down to depths around 50 m, although have been caught from over 300 m.

Young fish up to 7 kg are known to form shoals of several hundred fish. They are generally found close to the coast, while larger fish are more common around deep reefs and offshore islands. Juvenile yellowtail amberjack are rarely seen, as they are often found far from land associated with floating debris or weed which provide camouflage. Juveniles are yellow with black bands. This colouration fades as the fish ages, and by about 30 cm in length, the fish has assumed its adult colouration.

==Biology== Very little is known of the yellowtail amberjack's biology, including its habitat preferences throughout juvenile life stages, migration patterns, and wild reproductive behaviour. Adults live around rocky reefs, rocky outcrops, and drop-offs in coastal waters, and around pinnacles and offshore islands.<ref>Dianne J Bray, 2011, Yellowtail Kingfish, Seriola lalandi, in Fishes of Australia, accessed 26 Aug 2014, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/1662 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218231306/http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/1662 |date=18 December 2019 }}</ref> Maximum length is often reported to reach up to 180 cm. Large kingfish caught near Port Augusta in South Australia have been recorded at weights of between 40 and 50 kilograms. Recreational fishers have reported that kingfish catches near Port Augusta were more reliable when the Playford Power Stations were discharging hot water into the upper Spencer Gulf. The power stations have been decommissioned, but kingfish still migrate to upper Spencer Gulf as the southern gulf water cools.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Pittaway|first=Daniel|date=2017|title=Port Augusta winter warriors|journal=FishingSA|volume=53|pages=62–66}}</ref>

=== Sydney Harbour === Before the introduction of kingfish traps (for commercial fishing) in the 1970s, huge numbers of yellowtail amberjack were in Sydney Harbour. These traps were so effective that some studies suggested the traps may have wiped out as much as 60% of the larger amberjack population.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fishaboutsydney.com.au/how-to-catch-sydney-harbour-kingfish/|title=How to catch Sydney harbour kingfish|date=2017-12-13|website=Fishabout Fishing Charters Sydney Harbour With Craig McGill|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-09}}</ref> In the mid-1990s under heavy pressure from recreational anglers, Bob Martin, the minister for fisheries, prohibited the use of these traps in Sydney Harbour.

==Behaviour==

Yellowtail amberjacks are known for their curiosity around human vessels. The fish often accompany stingrays in harbours and estuaries, making use of the stingrays ability to sense fish through electroreception.<ref name="Secrets">{{citeq|Q114871191|pp=176-181}}</ref>

===Diet=== Being a pelagic fish, yellowtail amberjack are highly active predators, usually in schools or in pairs. Their main diet consists of baitfish including yellowtail mackerel, squid, prawns, garfish, pilchards and kahawai.<ref>{{cite web |title=How to catch kingfish |url=https://www.fishing.net.nz/how-to-catch/kingfish/ |website=The fishing website |access-date=19 July 2021}}</ref> Yellowtail amberjacks are one of the major predator species in New Zealand waters, and have been recorded eating seabirds.<ref name="Secrets"/>

==In a human context== [[File:Sashimi-dish Yellow tail amberijack01.jpg|thumb|Yellowtail amberjack sashimi]] In New Zealand, yellowtail amberjacks are a traditional food of Māori, who call the fish {{lang|mi|haku}}. The fish was often caught using hooks that incorporated iridescent pāua shell, or by capturing schools of fish in large nets. The fish is traditionally associated with qualities of warriors and leaders, and some iwi associate the fish with the end of life. Early European settlers to New Zealand disliked the fish (known as kingfish), believing the taste to be flavourless and coarse. However, this perception changed over time and it has since become one of the most popular sporting species of fish.<ref name="Secrets"/>

===Uses and aquaculture=== ''S. lalandi'' has been established as a suitable candidate for marine aquaculture. In contrast to the culture of the Japanese amberjack (''S. quinqueradiata''), which has long been cultured extensively in Japan, juveniles of ''S. lalandi'' are not easily available from the wild, and juveniles are produced in hatcheries from captive-breeding stock. In 2010, the Stehr Group in South Australia was the largest producer of cultured ''S. lalandi'' in the world. Trials elsewhere in Australia have been undertaken and in some cases abandoned after stock losses.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Page|first=Donna|date=2019-02-05|title=Controversial Port Stephens kingfish farm scrapped|url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/5888530/controversial-port-stephens-kingfish-farm-scrapped/|access-date=2021-05-04|website=Newcastle Herald|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-08-31|title=Yellowtail kingfish farmed at Geraldton die|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2016-08-31/kingfish-die-in-geraldton-trial/7801756|access-date=2021-05-04|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU}}</ref> Water quality concerns were raised following farmed kingfish mortalities in upper Spencer Gulf, South Australia, in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-09-23|title=Concerns about kingfish deaths in upper spencer gulf|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2011-09-23/concerns-about-kingfish-deaths-in-upper-spencer/6318206|access-date=2021-05-04|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU}}</ref> In the late 2010s, yellowtail kingfish farms were established near Geraldton and the Abrolhos Islands in Western Australia by Indian Ocean Fresh Australia and Huon Aquaculture, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-08-03|title=Jobs to be created after aquaculture zone approved|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-03/wa-aquaculture-zone-gets-environmental-approval/8772272|access-date=2021-05-04|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU}}</ref>

Some attempts have been made to culture the species in New Zealand, both in sea cages and a large land-based system at Parengarenga Harbour (northern New Zealand). Chile is currently testing sea-cage and land-based farming methods. In Germany, ''S. lalandi'' is being cultivated in the first land-based seafish-culture.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.freshmercato.com/pi/EINKAUFEN/Verarbeitet/fresh-kingfisch-3000-4000g-filet-kg.html |title=FRESH Kingfisch Filet, ca. 750-770g - KÜCHENFERTIG - FRESHMERCATO.COM |access-date=13 January 2020 |archive-date=13 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113215816/https://www.freshmercato.com/pi/EINKAUFEN/Verarbeitet/fresh-kingfisch-3000-4000g-filet-kg.html }}</ref> A Dutch company, The Kingfish Company, is planning to open a land-based aquaculture operation in Maine, U.S.A., in 2022. Most cultured ''S. lalandi'' is sold to the Japanese restaurant market for consumption as ''sashimi''. Amberjack can be eaten in a variety of ways, including grilling and drying.

==References== {{Reflist}}

==Further reading== *{{cite book| first1=Tony | last1=Ayling | first2=Geoffrey | last2=Cox | title=Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand | publisher=William Collins Publishers Ltd | location=Auckland, New Zealand | date=1982 | isbn=0-00-216987-8 }} *{{cite web| title=Yellowtail kingfish biology | url=http://www.microcosmofscience.com/ }} *{{cite web| title=Cape yellowtail (Giant yellowtail | url=https://www.aquarium.co.za/animals/giant-yellowtail-cape-yellowtail }} *{{cite web| url=http://www.picture-worl.org/actinopterygien-nouvelle-caledonie-3-seriola-lalandi-valenciennes-1833.html | title=SERIOLA LALANDI from New Caledonia (En/Fr) }} *{{cite web| title=How to catch Sydney Harbour Kingfish | url=https://www.fishaboutsydney.com.au/how-to-catch-sydney-harbour-kingfish/ | website=www.fishaboutsydney.com.au | location=Australia }}

==External links== * {{SealifePhotos|218436}}

Category:Seriola Category:Fish of the Red Sea Category:Fish described in 1833 Category:New Zealand seafood Category:Taxa named by Achille Valenciennes