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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.




Seriola lalandi
Seriola lalandi
(great amberjack)
Marine Fishes
Exotic

Copyright Info
Seriola lalandi Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1833

Common name: great amberjack

Synonyms and Other Names: yellowtail amberjack 

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: Smith-Vaniz (1986) describes S. aureovittata as blue to olivaceous on the back with a silvery belly and a bronze stripe along the midside of the body. The caudal fin is forked and olivaceous yellow. The body shape is fusiform, elongated and laterally-compressed. 

Size: Up to 193 cm fork length, but common to 100 cm (Smith Vaniz 1986).

Native Range: Northwest Pacific Ocean, type locality Japan (Martinez-Takeshita et al. 2015)


Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences: Twenty-one juveniles were found in the bow of a fishing vessel of Japanese origin that crossed the Pacific Ocean after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami.  The boat was intercepted 8 km west of Seal Rock, Oregon (Craig et al. 2018).  Although the boat was found four years after the tsunami, it is not thought to have been afloat the entire time.  Instead, it appeared that the boat had been entirely submerged for an unknown length of time and then later resurfaced, presumably capturing the fish at that time, subsequently making its way across the Pacific (Craig et al. 2018).  This explains how fish that were juveniles (i.e., less than two years old) were found in a boat that had been missing for over four years when it reached the Oregon coast.

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Seriola lalandi are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
OR201320131Alsea

Table last updated 12/8/2024

† Populations may not be currently present.


Ecology: Seriola aureovittata is a carnivorous, active and fast-swimming coastal pelagic species found in temperate and subtropical waters (Masuda et al. 1984). This species spawns in late spring/early summer with an estimated age of maturity at 2 years (Shirasishi et al. 2010). It is economically important for aquaculture and as a game fish (Craig et al. 2018).

Means of Introduction: Most likely rafting on tsunami debris (Craig et al. 2018)

Status: Eradicated. All 21 individuals were collected alive from the vessel and transported to the Oregon Coast Aquarium (Craig et al. 2018).

Impact of Introduction: he impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range.  The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.  

Remarks: Originally thought to be one species, the yellowtail jack, Seriola lalandi, constitutes three genetically distinct species with S. aureovittata found in the western Pacific, the east Pacific species is Seriola dorsalis Gill (1863), and Seriola lalandi Valenciennes, 1833 is found in the southern hemisphere (Martinez-Takeshita et al. 2015). Genetic testing confirmed the species found in Oregon are of western Pacific origin (Craig et al. 2018).

References: (click for full references)

Craig, M.T., Burke, J., Clifford, K., Mochon-Collura, E., Chapman, J.W., and Hyde, J.R. 2018. Trans-Pacific rafting in tsunami associated debris by the Japanese yellowtail jack, Seriola aureovittata Temminck & Schlegel, 1845 (Pisces, Carangidae). Aquatic Invasions 13(1):173-177.

Masuda, H., Amaoka, K., Araga, C., Uyeno, T., and Yoshino, T. eds. 1984. The Fishes of the Japanese Archipelago. Tokai University Press, Tokyo, Japan, 437 pp.

Martinez-Takeshita, N., Purcell, C.M., Chabot, C.L., Craig, M.T., Paterson, C.N., Hyde, J.R., and Allen, L.G. 2015. A tale of three tails: Cryptic speciation in a globally distributed marine fish of the genus Seriola. Copeia 103(2):357-368.

Shiraishi, T., S. Ohshimo, and R. Yukami. 2010. Age, growth and reproductive characteristics of gold striped amberjack 1 Seriola lalandi in the waters off western
Kyushu, Japan. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 44:117–127.

Smith-Vaniz, W. F. 1986. Carangidae, p. 638–661. In: Smiths’ Sea Fishes. M. M. Smith and P. Heemstra (eds.). Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

Other Resources:

Author: Brown, M.E. and P. J. Schofield

Revision Date: 11/15/2018

Peer Review Date: 11/15/2018

Citation Information:
Brown, M.E. and P. J. Schofield, 2024, Seriola lalandi Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1833: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=3250, Revision Date: 11/15/2018, Peer Review Date: 11/15/2018, Access Date: 12/8/2024

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

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The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2024]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [12/8/2024].

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