Greater Amberjack
The greater amberjack (arabaiana) is one of Brazil's most-targeted offshore species, drawing boat anglers to the reefs and wrecks scattered along the northeastern and southeastern coast.
Its western Atlantic range runs from Nova Scotia all the way down to Brazil, making it a native species here. Anglers come for the sheer muscle — these fish pull hard and don't quit — and the fishery revolves around structure-fishing over deep reefs.
Scientific Name: Seriola dumerili
Also known as arabaiana, enchova, anchova
- Blue-grey to olive back fading to silvery-white sides and belly; a dark diagonal stripe runs from the snout through the eye to the first dorsal fin — the clearest field mark.
- A faint amber or yellowish stripe sometimes visible along the flanks; juveniles show five or six dark vertical bars on the sides.
- Second dorsal and anal fins are long-based and mirror each other, peaking near the middle of the body — a shared trait with other jacks and trevallies.
- Largest carangid in the Atlantic; typical fish run 20–50 lbs, but the species reaches 6 feet and close to 200 lbs.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to the western Atlantic; in Brazil the species is present along the northeastern and southeastern coast wherever warm, subtropical and tropical water prevails.
- Strongly tied to offshore structure — natural reefs, rocky outcrops, shipwrecks, and oil platform legs — generally from about 18 to 72 meters down, though the species can go much deeper.
- Juveniles sometimes associate with floating Sargassum mats and drifting debris in open water before moving to reef structure as they grow.
Key Locations
- Northeastern Brazil — the reef systems off states like Bahia, Pernambuco, and Rio Grande do Norte hold consistent populations around natural and artificial structure.
- Southeastern Brazil — offshore reefs and wrecks along the coast of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo are known arabaiana grounds for charter and private boat anglers.
Specific Spots
- The top of a reef or wreck is the money zone — arabaiana stack up there to intercept baitfish pushed up by current over the structure.
- Current breaks on the upcurrent edge of a reef hold fish actively feeding; the downcurrent side holds resting fish that can still be triggered.
- Floating debris and Sargassum lines offshore attract juveniles and smaller fish — worth a pass when running to deeper structure.
- Deeper ledges and drop-offs adjacent to reef tops hold larger fish, especially when surface light is bright and fish push down.
Greater Amberjack FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Greater Amberjack?
Heavy vertical jigs (knife jigs, butterfly jigs) worked fast over reef structure are the go-to artificial, the speed retrieve triggers reaction strikes and keeps the lure off the bottom where snags live.
When is the best time to fish for Greater Amberjack?
Warm months (roughly October through March in the Southern Hemisphere summer) tend to produce the most active feeding as water temperatures peak along the Brazilian coast.
How do you catch Greater Amberjack?
Boat fishing is the only practical approach, arabaiana live on offshore structure well beyond shore-casting range. Anglers drift or anchor over reefs and wrecks, dropping vertical jigs or live baits to depth, then work the fish up through the water column.
What do Greater Amberjack eat?
Reef fish, squid, and crabs make up the bulk of the diet, match the baitfish profile with large jigs, live fish baits, or fast-retrieved lures that mimic a fleeing reef fish. Squid is a reliable live or cut bait and also the model for soft-plastic paddle-tail lures worked near the bottom around structure.
Where do Greater Amberjack live?
Native to the western Atlantic; in Brazil the species is present along the northeastern and southeastern coast wherever warm, subtropical and tropical water prevails.
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