California yellowtail, Seriola lalandi
Introduction: The California yellowtail, Seriola lalandi has several common names including Yellowtail Kingfish, Amberjack, Yellowtail Amberjack and more names. The yellow caudal fin of the species is behind several of the common names. This fish has a distinctive golden brown stripe running laterally from the snout to the tail. While it is common to find fish of about 12 years, there are specimens of about 30 years of age. Yellowtail is a highly prized game fish.
Description: The species are long with streamlined bodies of greenly blue color on the dorsal surface shading to silvery white beneath. Fish fins are yellowish. The Yellowtail Kingfish can grow up to 2.5 m as total length and can weigh up to 70 kg with records close to 100 kg. However, most caught off piers are fish under 5 kg in weight.
California yellowtail are solitary or they may occur in small groups. The schools of juveniles are generally found in offshore waters, often near or beyond the continental shelf. The species is a powerful swimmer that is adapted to a pelagic life style and hence is prized by anglers.
These fish are equipped with sensory cells (neuromasts) which are located
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Fish can reach marketable size of 3 kg in 12–15 months. California yellowtail, Seriola lalandi proved to be a suitable candidate for marine aquaculture. Because the juveniles of California yellowtail are not easily available from the wild, hatchery produced juveniles are produced for aquaculture projects whereas the largest operations do exist in Australia. Aquaculture initiatives have been attempted in cages and land-based systems in New Zealand supported by hatchery-produced fingerlings. Japan is the key importer and consumer of California yellowtail whereas the species is also cultured and consumed as