Jack (Almaco) 
Jack (Almaco)
Seriola rivoliana
Average Weight/Length
Common to 15 pounds; sometimes exceeds 30 pounds. World record 78 pounds.
Other "Popular" Names for this Fish
Almaco, Longfin yellowtail
Location Habitat
Largely the same as the Great Amberjack reefs and wrecks. Curiously, a particular wreck often seems to hold one species or the other, but both are present in many spots. Adults are benthopelagic in outer reef slopes and offshore banks to 160 m or more. They form small groups. Young often seen around floating objects. They feed mainly on fishes, but also on invertebrates. Eggs are pelagic. Marketed fresh and salted or dried. May cause ciguatera poisoning, particularly in coral reef areas. Uncommon on East Indian reefs but occasionally found in cool upwelling areas of Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia
Biology & Physical Description
Similar at a glance to the Great Amberjack, due to coloring and the presence of the band through the eye, but there are glaring differences upon closer inspection. The body of the Almaco is deep and more compressed; also, the dorsal and anal fins are longer and sickle-shaped. Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-33; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 18 - 22.
Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)
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Summary of Distribution: Circumglobal. Indo-West Pacific: Kenya south to South Africa and east to Mariana and Wake islands in Micronesia, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia and the Kermadec Islands. Absent from the Red Sea and French Polynesia. Likely at Seychelles. Eastern Pacific: USA to Peru, including Galapagos Islands. Western Atlantic: Cape Cod, USA to northern Argentina. Distribution in the eastern Atlantic is not well established. Recently recorded from Lampedusa Island in the Mediterranean |
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Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org) |
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Tackle & Baits
Spinning, baitcasting and light ocean tackle with lines up to 20 pound test are ideal; however, since most Almacos are caught in Amberjack habitat, heavier gear often is used. Small live baits are seldom refused. Jigs work too, provided they are given fast action by the fisherman.
Game Rating
Game Rating : 7.5/10
Game Description :
As tough as the Great Amberjack. Good fighter for its size.
Food Rating
Game Rating : 7.5/10
Game Description :
Excellent. Best prepared by skinning, filleting and trimming away the dark portions.