Overview
Powerful predator of the southern hemisphere, extraordinary fighter.
Identification
Yellow band on sidesDeeply forked tailPointed headLarge mouth with sharp teethMetallic sheenYellow finsMuscular bodyArched back
- Body
- Fusiform and very elongated body, with a well-defined lateral line.
- Colouration
- Generally blue-green or gray on the back, with lighter sides and a white belly. The body is marked by a distinctive yellow lateral band.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/not obvious
- Growth
- Rapid, especially in juvenile stages, in favorable environments.
Taxonomy
- Family
- Carangidae
- Order
- Carangiformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Seriola dumeriliSeriola rivolianaSeriola quinqueradiataSeriola zonataSeriola carpenteri
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- open_sea, reefs, coast
- Preferred bottom
- rock, reef
- Geographic distribution
- Found mainly in temperate waters of the southern hemisphere, including the coasts of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and parts of South America.
- Micro-habitat
- Prefers rocky coastal waters and submerged reefs where it hides and hunts its prey.
Often found near coral reefs, where marine life is abundant.
Presence by sea area
As Giappone SudPeak
Au Gbr SudPeak
Au Costa Est TemperataPeak
Au Costa SudPeak
Au Costa Ovest TemperataPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- small fish, squid, crustaceans
- Secondary prey
- mackerel, sardines, anchovies, cephalopods
- Occasional prey
- krill, plankton, jellyfish
- Feeding behaviour
- An active predator, hunts in groups and pounces on prey quickly. Uses speed and agility to capture prey, also feeding opportunistically along the way.
- Natural predators
- sharks, orcas, large tuna, seals
Diet varies greatly depending on local availability of marine prey.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- large_schools
- Aggressiveness
- medium
- Migration
- Resident in warm water areas, with seasonal movements according to water temperature.
- Seasonal behaviour
- Increases activity during warmer months, moving into shallow waters to hunt.
- Juveniles
- Juveniles tend to form large schools for protection and better hunting opportunities.
- Adults
- Adults may form smaller schools, usually active near the shore where their prey concentrates.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- November, December, January
- Spawning depth
- between 20 and 60 meters
- Eggs
- Pelagic eggs, small, translucent, and floating.
- Larval stage
- The larvae are pelagic, spending early life stages suspended in surface waters, growing rapidly.
- Sexual maturity
- 4-5 years
When to catch Yellowtail kingfish
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
Dayalba, mattina, tramonto
Night—
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Atmospheric pressure
Low
Very active, attacks aggressively.
Medium
Good hunting activity.
High
Less reactive.
Barometric trend
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
rocky ledgesreef edgesdeep shoalsunderwater canyons
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
drift fishingtrollingvertical jiggingpopper fishing
Other applicable
SpinningShore JiggingVertical JiggingSlow JiggingLive BaitingTrolling OceanicoSpinning MedioSpinning VeloceBeach FishingBolentinoBolentino MedioBolentino PesantePesca A Mosca In MarePoppingRock FishingSpinning PesanteStreamerSurfcastingSurfcasting MedioSurfcasting NotturnoSurfcasting PesanteTraina Col VivoTraina Costiera
Recommended baits
fresh sardinessquidmetal luressoft plastic baits
Baits by pressure
Low
InchikuKabura / Tai rubberMetal jig medio (40-100g)Metal jig pesante (100-300g)Popper grande (GT)Slow pitch jigSoft plastic grande (20-30cm)
Medium
Calamaro vivoSardina vivaSgombro vivoSugarello vivoAcciuga vivaCalamaro interoEsca viva (generica)
High
Calamaro vivoInchikuKabura / Tai rubber
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Known for its power and endurance, pulls strongly and dives with determination seeking refuge among rocks.
- Handling
- Use fishing gloves for a firm grip, avoid the gill area.
- Release
- Release quickly and gently to prevent trauma, especially if not intended for consumption.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The southern yellowtail can reach a maximum weight of about 70 kg. A specimen of about 49 kg was caught in New Zealand waters, famous as one of the best places in the world to fish this species.
- In the kitchen
- White and firm flesh, ideal for grilling or baking; also used in sushi preparation.
- Cultural notes
- Valued for its fighting qualities and is one of the most sought-after sport fishing targets.
- Historical notes
- Large populations of southern yellowtail have been well documented in the accounts of early explorers of the South Pacific coasts.
