Ever wonder what amberjack eat in the wild? These fast predators live in warm waters in the Atlantic and Pacific. Their diet changes with depth, season, and age. But one thing is clear: they are quick to grab what they can.
So, what do amberjack eat most? Fish are at the top of their list. They chase sardines, pilchards, and mackerel. They also eat squid and prawns.
Yellowtail amberjack like to eat yellowtail mackerel and squid. Greater amberjack and Japanese amberjack eat similar things near deep places. Young amberjack start with plankton and small invertebrates, then eat bigger fish as they grow.
Diet changes with the season and where they are. Amberjack can be very bold when they see food. In New Zealand, they even eat seabirds sometimes. This shows how they quickly grab what they can when it’s there.
Amberjack basics: species, habitats, and feeding zones
Amberjack species live in warm waters and busy coasts. They are found near reefs and wrecks where bait is plentiful. This area, with structure and flow, is their home and where they hunt.
Greater, lesser, yellowtail, and banded rudderfish at a glance
The greater amberjack is the biggest, found on rocky areas and wrecks in 20–75 m. Learn more about its diet here: greater amberjack feeding.
The lesser amberjack lives deeper, 50–130 m, near edges. Yellowtail kingfish are shallower, near coasts and islands. They go from the surf to 50 m but can dive deeper when bait moves away.
Banded rudderfish have bold bars when young and follow big objects at sea. They eat shrimp and silversides and go into cooler water. This adds variety to the amberjack species.
Where amberjack live: reefs, wrecks, and offshore structure
Reefs and wrecks have current, shade, and relief. This traps bait like sardines and squid. Amberjacks move through this area, hunting in both the open water and near the bottom.
Offshore, structures like oil platforms and rocky pinnacles offer the same benefits far from shore. Spawning happens offshore, and young fish gather around wrecks or debris for shelter and food.
How habitat influences access to prey
Greater amberjacks ambush on vertical faces and burst into open water when bait rises. Lesser amberjacks hunt on deeper ledges, catching prey in the twilight.
Yellowtail kingfish sweep the edges of sand-reef, trapping bait. Banded rudderfish follow big objects, catching easy meals from plankton and small fish.
| Species | Typical Depth | Key Habitat | Feeding Zone | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater amberjack (S. dumerili) | 20–75 m | Rocky reefs and wrecks | Edges of relief; midwater bursts | Largest of the amberjack species; opportunistic strikes |
| Lesser amberjack (S. fasciata) | 50–130 m | Deep ledges, drop-offs | Dim-light layers near structure | Prefers deeper bands; compact schools |
| Yellowtail kingfish (S. lalandi) | Shoreline to 50 m+ | Coastal reefs, offshore islands | Surfline rips; reef-sand seams | Active chaser; temperature sweet spot 17–24 °C |
| Banded rudderfish (S. zonata) | Juveniles near surface; adults to mid-depths | Floating debris, light structure | Surface shadows; small-object eddies | Juveniles show vertical bars; follows large objects |
| Shared pattern | Varies by life stage | Reefs and wrecks; offshore structure | Pelagic-benthic interface | Structure funnels bait, squid, and crustaceans into range |
Predatory behavior: how amberjacks hunt in pelagic and reef environments
Amberjacks are fast and curious. They hunt in different ways depending on where they are. They chase prey in open water and hide in reefs to ambush.
Schooling versus solitary tactics
Yellowtail amberjacks often hunt together. They chase tuna and push bait to the surface. This makes it easier for them to catch their prey.
But when there’s less prey, they hunt alone. They watch for fish and then quickly chase after them. This way, they save energy.
Ambush along wrecks and reefs
Amberjacks hide near wrecks and reefs. They wait for fish to swim by and then quickly attack. This is how they hunt in these areas.
They use the structure to their advantage. It helps them sneak up on their prey. You can learn more about their hunting habits on the amberjack page.
Chasing bait balls in open water
Out in the open, amberjacks chase after bait balls. They work with tuna and trevally to corner the fish. This makes it easier for them to catch their prey.
They look for signs like foam and birds to know when to attack. This way, they can catch fish quickly and efficiently.
| Hunting Mode | Setting | Primary Targets | Trigger Cues | Energy Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schooling Chase | Open water rips and edges | Pilchards, garfish, yellowtail mackerel | Bird flurries, surface flashes, tide lines | Shared pursuit to corner bait balls |
| Solitary Stalk | Bluewater breaks and thermoclines | Scattered scad and mackerel | Isolated marks on sonar, weak current | Short burst after targeted approach |
| Structure Ambush | Reefs, debris, and wrecks (20–75 m+) | Sardines, bigeye scad, benthic fish | Current seams, eddies behind cover | Low-cost hold, explosive strike by wreck ambush predators |
| Mixed-Predator Push | Frontal zones with tuna and trevally | Compact schooling fish | Multi-species corralling, bird dives | Coordinated pressure from pelagic predators |
Core diet: fish, squid, and crustaceans
Amberjacks live in both open water and near structures. They chase baitfish in the open sea. Then, they go to reefs and wrecks for food.
Common baitfish targets: sardines, scad, mackerel, pilchards, garfish
They eat fast, oily fish like sardines and scad. Mackerel, including yellowtail mackerel, are also on the menu. Pilchards and garfish are often found in bait balls.
They also eat pinfish, sand perch, and grunts near structures. Current brings bait to metal and limestone edges, making quick strikes possible.
Cephalopods on the menu: squid as high-energy prey
Squid are key in the amberjack’s diet. They are high in energy and easy to eat. Amberjacks chase squid in midwater, using quick bursts to catch them.
At night or on cloudy days, they hunt even better. Dark water helps them get close before striking, making captures more likely.
Crustaceans and prawns when foraging near bottom structure
Amberjacks eat crustaceans like prawns and shrimp near the bottom. Prawns and shrimp are common on reefs and wrecks. Banded rudderfish, similar to amberjacks, also eat shrimp.
They hunt both fast crabs and prawns, and also schooling fish. This flexibility helps them adapt to different hunting situations.
| Prey Group | Key Examples | Where It’s Taken | Why It’s Chosen | Notes for Anglers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baitfish | sardines and scad; mackerel; pilchards and garfish; pinfish; tomtate and grass grunts | Open water edges, current lines, over wrecks | High oil, tight schooling, easy to corner | Live sardines or bigeye scad mirror natural amberjack baitfish |
| Cephalopods | Squid (multiple species) | Midwater over reefs, at night or low light | High-energy flesh, soft body for fast swallowing | Jigs and strips match the amberjack squid diet during dusk runs |
| Crustaceans | Prawns, shrimp, crabs | Reef ledges, wreck bases, sand–rock transitions | Abundant near structure, easy ambush bites | Shrimp baits cue the prawn diet and trigger hits from structure-oriented fish |
What does amberjack eat
Reef divers often ask, “What do amberjacks eat?” The answer is simple: fish. They eat sardines, bigeye scad, mackerel, and more. Squid gives them quick energy, and prawns fill gaps in food supply.
Where they live affects what they eat. Greater amberjacks hunt in 20–75 meters of water, eating squid and reef fish. Lesser amberjacks go deeper, 50–130 meters, for smaller prey. Yellowtail prefer 17–24 °C water, eating baitfish and squid near rocky reefs.
Amberjacks also eat whatever they can catch when they’re in a hurry. In New Zealand, they’ve even eaten seabirds. Young amberjacks start with plankton and tiny invertebrates, then move to small fish as they grow.
These fish change what they eat based on the water. Currents, depth, and structure guide their hunting. For a quick look at what they eat, see this overview of the greater amberjack.
| Environment | Primary Amberjack Food Sources | Examples on the Amberjack Menu | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reefs and Wrecks (20–75 m) | Pelagic and benthic fishes; squid; crustaceans | Sardines, mackerel, pilchards, pinfish, tomtate grunts, squid, prawns | Greater amberjack strike fast along structure; amberjack eat what’s most abundant on edges. |
| Deeper Slopes (50–130 m) | Small fishes; cephalopods | Bigeye scad, sand perch, grass grunts, squid | Lesser amberjack hunt in lower light; amberjack prey list skews smaller with depth. |
| Offshore Islands and Rocky Reefs (17–24 °C) | Baitfish schools; squid | Garfish, kahawai, sardines, mackerel, squid | Yellowtail track currents and temperature; what do amberjacks eat here depends on bait aggregation. |
| Surface Frenzy Events | Opportunistic targets | Schooling baitfish, squid; rare seabirds | High-speed pursuits widen the amberjack prey list when prey flushes to the top. |
| Juvenile Drift Zones | Plankton; small invertebrates; tiny fishes | Zooplankton, small shrimp, larval fish | Growth drives a shift toward fish as jaws strengthen and speed improves. |
Juvenile diets: from plankton and small invertebrates to baitfish
Young amberjacks start life in open water. They ride currents and hide under drift. Their diet is light at first but grows as they get bigger and faster.
Early life feeding near floating debris and weed lines
Newly settled fish hide under floating debris and weed lines. These places trap food. Amberjack plankton, like copepods and tiny jellyfish, gather here.
Scientists find these fish in just a few fathoms of water. Banded rudderfish and pilotfish also hide under flotsam. This gives them shade and a chance to eat.
Transition from zooplankton to small fishes
As they grow, their diet changes to include small fish and squid. They start to chase their food instead of just picking at it. Young yellowtail amberjacks are bright yellow with dark bars until they grow bigger.
As they get faster and better at seeing, they explore reef edges and current breaks. This helps them eat more and grow stronger.
Why juveniles shadow large objects and how it aids feeding
Following turtles and logs helps them find food. It also gives them shade and camouflage. The area behind these objects pulls in food.
This way of eating saves energy. They can catch prey easily and then hide again. It’s a smart way to eat.
| Life Stage | Primary Foods | Hotspots | Key Behavior | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early juvenile (2–10 cm) | Zooplankton, larval shrimp, fish eggs | Floating debris, weed lines, tide rips | Hovering under shade; peck-feeding in slicks | Fast growth on dense amberjack plankton |
| Mid juvenile (10–25 cm) | Tiny baitfish, mysids, small squid | Drift mats near current edges; inshore rips | Short burst chases; drafting behind large objects | Energy savings with steady prey flow |
| Late juvenile (25–35 cm) | Anchovies, silversides, young scad | Coastal reefs, offshore islands, wreck lines | Schooling strikes; surface-to-structure forays | Shift toward baitfish-focused juvenile feeding behavior |
Greater vs. lesser vs. yellowtail amberjack: diet differences
Different depths and places affect what each fish eats. Anglers who watch for these signs can find the best spots. This is true, where fish gather around wrecks.
Depth-driven prey for lesser amberjack
Lesser amberjack live deep, between 50–130 meters. They like drop-offs and dark areas. Their diet includes lanternfish, deep scad, and small hake.
They also eat squid and crustaceans that come up at night. When currents hit ledges, they catch prey low and strike up.
Yellowtail amberjack preferences: baitfish, squid, prawns
Yellowtail amberjack like warmer waters, 17–24 °C, near rocky reefs and islands. They mainly eat baitfish like yellowtail mackerel and garfish. Squid and prawns are also part of their diet.
They hunt in schools or pairs. They push bait tight to structures or the surface. Fast chases happen when currents stack forage on points.
Greater amberjack around deep structure and wrecks
Greater amberjack prefer reefs, debris, and wrecks in 20–75 meters. Their diet includes pelagic and bottom species, squid, and crustaceans near wrecks.
This is classic wreck-associated feeding. They ambush mackerel or tomtate grunts on the up-current face. Then, they slide back into cover. Reports on Japanese amberjack show similar patterns near structure.
| Species | Typical Depth | Primary Structure | Core Prey | Notable Tactics | SEO Lens: depth and diet fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lesser amberjack (S. fasciata) | 50–130 m | Drop-offs, deep ledges | Lanternfish, deep scad, small hake, midwater/benthic squid | Low-light strikes, upward ambush along contour | Strong: deeper strata drive prey mix |
| Yellowtail amberjack (S. lalandi) | Shallow to mid-depth, 17–24 °C bands | Rocky reefs, offshore islands, coastal points | Yellowtail mackerel, garfish, pilchards, kahawai, squid, prawns | Schooling pushes, surface corralling in current | Moderate: temperature and structure shape the yellowtail kingfish diet |
| Greater amberjack (S. dumerili) | 20–75 m | Reefs, debris fields, wrecks | Mackerel, grunts, jacks, squid, robust crustaceans | Ambush from cover, wreck-associated feeding on up-current edges | High: structure dictates forage and approach |
Regional and seasonal variations in prey availability
Amberjack eating habits change with water and seasons. In the Southern Hemisphere and North Pacific, they follow certain temperatures. They move to places where bait is plentiful.
In Australia, big fish go to deep reefs and islands in autumn. This is when scad and squid are more common. Near Port Augusta, warm water from power plants helps them catch sardines and prawns.
New Zealand’s waters have different prey for different fish. Kingfish eat koheru, jack mackerel, and pilchards. They also eat squid when the water is clear and fast.
In the Atlantic and eastern Pacific, amberjack like reefs and wrecks. They eat sardines, scad, and crustaceans. Young ones hide in weed lines and debris, finding food in gyres and river plumes.
When bait moves, drop-offs and pinnacles get busy. Upwelling brings nutrients, and bait gathers. Amberjack eat small mackerel, scad, and squid.
From Chile to California, the same things happen. Wind, clear edges, and bait near structure are key. New Zealand kingfish and amberjack follow these patterns to find food.
Unusual records: seabirds and other rare prey
Yellowtail sometimes catch prey that surprises everyone. These stories show how fast and strong hunters can be. They also add to what we know about amberjack and their diet.
Documented seabird predation in New Zealand waters
In New Zealand, yellowtail amberjack, or kingfish, have been seen catching small birds. They do this during big feeding times. It’s rare but shows how flexible their diet can be.
Why opportunism occurs in top-chase scenarios
When baitfish jump up, speed is key. In these moments, predators like amberjack go for anything stunned. A bird in the right spot can become prey in an instant.
Things like glare and pressure can make it harder. But in the chaos, quick decisions are all that matter. This is when amberjack might catch seabirds, a rare but exciting sight.
Feeding times and environmental cues
Amberjack eat best when the water moves, it’s light enough, and the temperature is just right. They hunt around reefs, wrecks, and island edges where the tides and baitfish gather. Many fishermen plan their fishing for dawn or dusk to catch these fish near structures.
Temperature bands and activity (notably 17–24 °C for yellowtail)
Yellowtail amberjack are most active in 17–24 °C water. They follow shoals along kelp lines and headlands. This temperature range helps them stay energetic and hunt well.
Studies on similar fish show they also prefer 18–26 °C. This is why fish often gather near warm areas like upwellings. You can read more about this in a review on temperature and feeding.
Tidal movement, currents, and bait aggregation
Reefs and wrecks are great places for fish to find food. Tides and baitfish meet at drop-offs and pressure points. Amberjack, including yellowtail, hunt in these areas, often in groups.
They like to feed when the tide is rising or falling. This makes it easier for them to catch prey near structures.
Light levels and dawn/dusk feeding windows
Amberjack prefer to hunt in low light. They start their hunt at dawn and again at dusk. During these times, they use the light to catch baitfish like sardines and scad.
In Australia, warm-water outflows are known to attract fish. This shows how important light, flow, and temperature are for finding fish.
- Amberjack feeding times track tidal pulses that pin bait to edges.
- Temperature and feeding strengthen between 17–24 °C for yellowtail activity.
- Current-driven feeding amplifies during the dawn bite and dusk bite when tides and baitfish meet low light.
| Cue | What Changes | Result on Fish | Best Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature band (17–24 °C) | Balanced metabolism and oxygen use | Steady cruising, quick strikes | Warm edges near islands |
| Tidal movement | Bait compressed on structure | Ambush along wreck lips and ledges | Mid-tide to peak flow |
| Current strength | Bait alignment in lanes | Schooling surges, paired hunts | Building current |
| Low light | Reduced bait vigilance | Sharper attack angles | Dawn bite and dusk bite |
From wild to farm: how diet changes in aquaculture
Amberjack diets change when they move from reefs to pens. The goal is to make their food like what they eat in the wild. But, it also has to be affordable and help them grow well.
Wild-caught diets: pinfish, sand perch, grunts, squid, crustaceans
In the wild, amberjacks eat pinfish, sand perch, and more. They also eat squid and crustaceans. This diet is rich in protein and fats.
It changes with the seasons and where they are. This helps them stay strong and have good meat.
Farm feeds: fishmeal, fish oil, grain pellets, and formulated diets
Farmed amberjacks eat a mix of fishmeal, fish oil, grains, and vitamins. This diet has been improved in places like Japan and Australia. It’s also used in land-based farms in Germany and soon in Maine.
They get special food based on their size and health. Farmers keep an eye on how their diet compares to the wild. This helps them make better food without harming the fish.
Nutritional impacts on flesh quality and growth
Diet affects how fast they grow and how their meat tastes. Farmed amberjacks can have more fat than wild ones. This makes their meat taste richer.
Producers mix different proteins to keep costs down. They aim to match the taste and quality of wild fish. This helps them sell more to chefs and restaurants.
| Context | Key Ingredients | Target Outcomes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild forage | Pinfish, sand perch, grunts, squid, crustaceans | Lean muscle, firm bite, distinct marine flavor | Seasonal shifts alter lipid levels and prey mix |
| Farm formulation | Fishmeal fish oil pellets, grains, vitamins, minerals | Fast growth, steady fat content, reliable texture | Recipes tuned for water temp, size class, and health |
| Market focus | Balanced omega-3s and protein | High sashimi grade flesh quality | Consistency valued by retailers and chefs |
Angler insight: matching the hatch to target amberjack
To match the hatch, think like the fish and mirror local forage. In the Southeast and Gulf, prime amberjack fishing bait includes sardines, scad, mackerel, pilchards garfish, pinfish, sand perch, tomtate grunts, and grass grunts. Carry squid bait and prawns for when currents pick up or visibility drops. Keep live bait for amberjack lively with circle hooks and a light rubber band to the sinker so baits swim natural.
On wreck fishing missions for greater amberjack in 20–75 meters, pin baits tight to the beams or the up-current side where ambush hits start. Drop a frisky pinfish or grunt to the marks, then lift and pause to trigger follows. Lesser amberjack favor deeper edges; scale down leaders and switch to squid bait or slim mackerel strips when they get picky. If kingfish bait like blue runners are thick, use them, but bridle so they stay in the strike zone longer.
Yellowtail amberjack respond in 17–24 °C water near rocky reefs and offshore islands. Chum with pilchards, then send live garfish or yellowtail mackerel into the slick. Squid strips make a compact, high-energy bait when the school turns selective. Near weed lines or floating debris, small metals or micro jigs that flash like zooplankton-feeding bait draw hits from juveniles and banded rudderfish, which also take shrimp and silversides.
Adjust with the season. In New Zealand and Australia, shifts in temperature move fish along current lanes and headlands. Keep rigs simple, leaders abrasion-ready, and presentations clean. Whether you’re slow-pitching over iron, free-lining a pilchard, or dropping a live bait for amberjack on structure, the rule stays the same: match the hatch, stay near the food, and let the bait work.
