Seriola dorsalis

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California yellowtail
Yellow tail on Dalgleish.png
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Carangiformes
Family: Carangidae
Genus: Seriola
Species:
S. dorsalis
Binomial name
Seriola dorsalis
(Gill, 1863)


Seriola dorsalis, the California yellowtail is a species of ray-finned fish of the family Carangidae. [2] This species is also known by several alternate names, such as yellowtail jack [3] amberjack, forktail, mossback, white salmon and yellowtail tunis or tuna [4] or by its Spanish name jurel. Although previously thought to belong to S. lalandi, recent genetic analysis distinguished California yellowtail (S. dorsalis) as a distinct species from the yellowtail amberjack (S. lalandi). [2] The California yellowtail is differentiated from yellowtail amberjack as they differ in range. The yellowtail amberjack is found farther south in the Pacific Ocean [5] .

Contents

Description

California yellowtail swimming through kelp, showing its front left profile. California yellowtail.jpg
California yellowtail swimming through kelp, showing its front left profile.

The California yellowtail can be recognized by its fusiform body plan, which tapers at both the anterior and posterior ends, a bulbous shaped head slightly swelled above the eye, and the visibly expanded posterior end of its jaw, which allows for its mouth to open large for its prey. [6] The California yellowtail has a yellow caudal fin, or tail (hence the name), a blue-green dorsal color, a silver side and belly, and a bronze/yellowy color, dividing the dark and light coloring along its lateral line. The average yellowtail ranges from 50 to 120 cm (20 to 48 in), [7] but one of the largest ever observed was estimated to be over 155 cm (5 ft). [8] The average weight of a California yellowtail is 12 to 18 lbs (5.4 to 8.2 kg), although the largest caught was weighed to be 80 lbs (36.3 kg). [9] It is unknown if this heaviest caught individual is the same individual as the longest individual observed, which is mentioned above.

Drawing of California yellowtail, clearly showing its 2 dorsal fins, 1 pectoral fin, 1 pelvic fin, its anal fin and its caudal fin. Californiayellowtail2.webp
Drawing of California yellowtail, clearly showing its 2 dorsal fins, 1 pectoral fin, 1 pelvic fin, its anal fin and its caudal fin.

The pectoral fins on the California yellowtail are pointed, narrow, and long enough to provide steering while at high speed, but without adding too much drag. Just below the pectoral fins are the pelvic fins, which are relatively small, indicating little need for stabilization and balance. [10] They have two dorsal fins, the first shorter and smaller than the second. The first originates behind the origin of the pectoral and has three to seven spines, and the second is located right behind the first. The caudal fin, or tail, lies directly behind the second dorsal and is deep forked, with lobes of equal size and short length. The shape of the yellowtail’s tail is ideal for its fast and long-distance travel swimming needs, as it is streamlined and propels the fish forward. The California yellowtail, like most other fish, has a lateral line that gives the fish an awareness of its surroundings in the water, allowing it to sense water movement nearby. It runs above the pectoral fin and along the length of the body to the posterior end of the fish, consisting of 114 to 162 pored scales. [11]

The California yellowtail has both white and red skeletal muscles, which is representative of both slow and fast twitch muscle structures. [12] Red muscle is slow twitch and in the California yellowtail the red muscle is concentrated in the posterior end of the fish, close to the caudal fin, and along its lateral line. [13] The red muscle is used for slow prolonged swimming, while the rest of the fish’s muscle is white muscle, which is used for rapid speeding up in case of attacking prey or escaping from predators.

Range

Map indicating the range of the California yellowtail, which is from Point Conception in California (northern limit), to Cabo San Lucas in Baja California (southern limit). California yellowtail range map.jpg
Map indicating the range of the California yellowtail, which is from Point Conception in California (northern limit), to Cabo San Lucas in Baja California (southern limit).

The California yellowtail's range is along the western coast of North America. Their range spans from Point Conception, the northern limit of the Southern California Bight in California, to Cabo San Lucas in Baja California Sur, or the southern tip of Baja, Mexico, and are believed to migrate north in the summer when the waters warm. [14] Populating asreas such as Catalina Island, San Clemente Island, and Santa Monica Bay; the Baja California Peninsula and the Gulf of California, congregating at certain areas in mass numbers like Cedros Island and Benitos Island. During the summer they can also be found in association with floating kelp paddies off the coast of southern California and Baja California. While the Seriola dorsalis is limited to the range above, its genus: Seriola has also been found in waters off South Africa, the Walter Shoals, Amsterdam Island, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Hawaii, Rapa, Pitcairn Island, Jeju Island, and Easter Island. In the Eastern Pacific, they can be found in waters off British Columbia, south to Chile. [15]

Habitat

The California yellowtail is known to have a range of habitats, as they are both nearshore pelagic. The California yellowtail can be found in the shallows, feeding on the edges of rocky points or in kelp forests, and is typically found just below the surface. [16] Differences in habitat have been found based on the life history and size of the fish, smaller fish are more prevalent offshore, and were also found to travel farther offshore than large individuals found nearshore. [17] Nearshore habitats are usually associated with kelp beds, where California yellowtails are also known to spawn and attach their eggs to the kelp. [18]

Diet

The California yellowtail is a predator along the California coast that holds a high trophic position. [19] The California yellowtail is a non-discriminatory carnivore and feeds on a range of foods. Their diet consists of mackerel, sardines, anchovies, squid, crab, and smelts. [20] Often, California yellowtail are found in schools feeding at the surface of the water, as well as deeper. This species prefers water temperatures of 21–22 °C (70–72 °F), though have also been found in waters between 18 and 24 °C (64 and 75 °F). [21] Temperatures cooler than 18 °C would make the yellowtail sink into deeper waters to conserve energy. The California yellowtail is known to feed more heavily in the warmer months. [22]

Reproduction

Most knowledge of California yellowtail reproduction comes from aquaculture and other captive individuals. They are aggregate broadcast spawners, meaning they reproduce by releasing their gametes into the water column. Spawning and reproduction occur during the spring and summer months, between March and September. [23]

Aquaculture

The California yellowtail aquaculture industry is currently dependent on the capturing of young individuals. However, data shows rearing in captivity may be beneficial, as both swimming and metabolic physiology could be improved through aquaculture rearing and reproduction. The demand for California yellowtail is growing as a resource, being a desirable restaurant dish, pushing the need for aquaculture. [24] Species of Seriola have been grown in aquaculture around the world for decades and will likely soon develop on the west coast of the United States. This fish is prime for aquaculture sexual maturity is reached early in their lives, between 2 and 3 years. [25] Quick maturity is ideal for aquaculture, as it allows rapid population growth since it doesn’t take long for individuals to reproduce.

Fishing

Seriola dorsalis is a highly popular game fish that is caught with live bait on hook and line for both recreation and sports fishing. The recreational catch is often found to be much higher than the commercial catch, according to reports on the NOAA fisheries website. [26] In 2021, the total commercial catch was 39.291 lbs., while the recreational catch was 209,131 lbs. In 2022, the total commercial catch was 24,100 lbs., while the recreational catch was 144,385 lbs. Most locally caught California yellowtails are typically 10-20 lbs and are around 3-7 years old. [27] However, there is a large market for this pelagic fish with both white and red muscle, as it is sold for a high price in domestic restaurants. The California yellowtail is often caught in the Southern California Bight, a region including the southern California coast and the area of ocean stretching from Point Conception to San Diego. This fish is frequently caught near the islands of Santa Catalina, Clemente, the Coronado Islands, and off the coast of La Jolla in San Diego. [28] The early evening, as the sun is setting, is a common time to catch the California yellowtail, as they feed during that time when the light is low.

Management and Conservation status

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, there is currently no management plan for the California yellowtail, although there are measures in place to prevent overexploitation of the species such as catch limits. [29] This fish is listed as "least concern" by the IUCN, on the basis that "significant global population declines have not been reported and are not suspected. Its range coincides with numerous marine protected areas." [1]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amberjack</span> Genus of fishes

Amberjacks are Atlantic and Pacific fish in the genus Seriola of the family Carangidae. They are widely consumed across the world in various cultures, most notably for Pacific amberjacks in Japanese cuisine; they are most often found in the warmer parts of the oceans. There are many variations of amberjack, including greater amberjack (Atlantic), lesser amberjack (Atlantic), Almaco jack (Pacific), yellowtail (Pacific), and the banded rudderfish (Atlantic). Though most of the Seriola species are considered "amberjacks", the species Seriola hippos is not.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary</span> Marine sanctuary in the Pacific Coast of Southern California

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is a sanctuary off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties in Southern California 350 miles (563 km) south of San Francisco and 95 miles (153 km) north of Los Angeles. It was designated on October 2, 1980, by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and was expanded in 2007.

A yellowtail may be any of several different species of fish. Most commonly the yellowtail amberjack Seriola lalandi is meant. In the context of sushi, yellowtail usually refers to the Japanese amberjack, Seriola quinqueradiata. Other species called simply "yellowtail" include:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monogenea</span> Class of ectoparasitic flatworms

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern California Bight</span> Curved stretch of coastline in Southern California and northwestern Baja California

The Southern California Bight is a 692-kilometer-long stretch of curved coastline that runs along the west coast of the United States and Mexico, from Point Conception in California to Punta Colonet in Baja California, plus the area of the Pacific Ocean defined by that curve. This includes the Channel Islands of California and the Coronado Islands and Islas de Todo Santos of Baja California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yellowtail amberjack</span> Species of fish

The yellowtail amberjack, yellowtail kingfish, hiramasa or great amberjack is a large fish found in the Southern Ocean. Although previously thought to be found in all oceans and seas, recent genetic analysis restricts S. lalandi proper to the Southern Hemisphere waters. However, they are found in Northern Hemisphere waters during certain times of the year. The fish was given its name by Monsieur de Lalande, a naturalist who first informed zoologist Achille Valenciennes of the existence of this species. His reason for the use of the word Seriola to name the fish is uncertain, but the second word lalandi was derived from his surname.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Birch Aquarium</span> Public aquarium in San Diego, California, United States

Birch Aquarium is a public aquarium in La Jolla, a community of San Diego, California. It serves as the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, with over half a million people visiting the aquarium each year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gray smooth-hound</span> Species of shark

The gray smooth-hound is a houndshark of the family Triakidae. It is spotless and smooth with a narrow head and long blunted snout. This shark is found on continental shelves of the subtropical eastern Pacific. Its range extends from northern California to the Gulf of California, usually residing in waters less than 80 meters deep. Adults are between 0.5 and 1.6 meters long. Furthermore, this shark is viviparous with an egg yolk placenta. Reproduction occurs annually and inland estuaries are common nursery grounds. Although there is little data on the shark’s population trends and catch quantities, the gray smooth-hound is not considered as vulnerable to overfishing. Additionally, there have been three reported sightings of albinism in this species, which is rare for elasmobranchs.

<i>Paralabrax clathratus</i> Species of fish

Paralabrax clathratus, the kelp bass, bull bass or calico bass, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, from the subfamily Serraninae, classified as part of the family Serranidae which includes the groupers and anthias. It is found in the eastern North Pacific Ocean where it is an important species for both recreational and commercial fisheries.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greater amberjack</span> Species of fish

The greater amberjack, also known as the allied kingfish, great amberfish, greater yellowtail, jenny lind, Sea donkey, purplish amberjack, reef donkey, rock salmon, sailors choice, yellowtail, and yellow trevally, is a species of predatory ray-finned fish in the family Carangidae, the jacks and pompanos. It is found in temperate, subtropical, and tropical seas around the world. It is a popular quarry species for recreational fisheries and is important in commercial fisheries. It is the largest species in the family Carangidae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Longfin yellowtail</span> Species of fish

The longfin yellowtail, also known as the almaco or silvercoat jack, deep-water, falcate, European or highfin amberjack, rock salmon, longfin or yellow kingfish, is a game fish of the family Carangidae; they are in the same family as yellowtail and amberjack. They are carnivorous and feed, both day and night, on other, smaller fish, such as baitfish, small squid, octopus, crab and shrimp. The flesh is thick and dense, like tuna, and easily may be passed off for white albacore if prepared as sushi.

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<i>Seriola</i> Genus of fishes

Seriola is a genus of ray-finned fish, with many species commonly known as amberjacks. Nine extant species are currently recognized, although these were formerly split into many more. Also, several species are currently placed in several other genera of the Carangidae that were originally described under Seriola. They are a large, carnivorous finfish popularly known for the firm texture and rich flavour of their flesh, which make them an ideal fish for aquaculture. Because specimens caught can weigh up to 100 kg (220 lb), and are powerful swimmers and hunters, they are also highly prized by sport fisherman.

<i>Gibbonsia elegans</i> Species of fish

Gibbonsia elegans, the spotted kelpfish, is a species of clinid native to subtropical waters of the Pacific Ocean from central California, U.S. to southern Baja California, Mexico. It prefers subtidal rocky habitats with seaweed down to a depth of about 56 metres. This species can reach a maximum length of 16 centimetres. This species feeds on benthic crustaceans, gastropods, and polychaete worms. The genus Gibbonsia is named after William P. Gibbons who was a naturalist in the California Academy of Science. The spotted kelpfish occurs in three different color morphs, depending on which plants occur in an individual's habitat. Males and females do not show sexual dimorphism.

Seriola carpenteri is a species of ray-finned fish commonly known as the Guinean amberjack, which feeds on squids and fishes. It attains a size of at least 48 cm fork length, and probably attains a much larger size. Adults are pelagic or epibenthic. Generally confined to areas where surface temperatures exceed 25 °C, the species is found in coastal waters over continental shelf from the surface to at least 200 m deep.

<i>Trachurus lathami</i> Species of fish

Trachurus lathami is a species of fish in the family Carangidae and the genus Trachurus, the jack mackerels. Common names include rough scad and horse mackerel in English, as well as chinchard frappeur (French), chicharro garretón (Spanish), jurel, and carapau, garaçuma, surel, and xixarro. It is native to parts of the western Atlantic Ocean, including seas off the eastern coasts of North and South America and the Gulf of Mexico.

The Agulhas Bank Complex Marine Protected Area is an offshore marine protected area on the continental shelf lying approximately 39 nautical miles southeast of Cape Agulhas off the Western Cape in the Exclusive Economic Zone of South Africa.

References

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  2. 1 2 Martinez-Takeshita, N., D. M. Purcell, C. L. Chabot, M. T. Craig, C. N. Paterson, J. R. Hyde, & L. G. Allen. 2015. A tale of three tails: cryptic speciation in a globally distributed marine fish of the genus Seriola. Copeia, 103(2): 357-368.
  3. Ben-Aderet, N., Johnston, E. M., Cravey, R. & Sandin, S. A. (2020). Revisiting the life history of yellowtail jack (Seriola dorsalis) in the Southern California Bight: new evidence for ontogenetic habitat shifts and regional differences in a changing environment
  4. California Yellowtail, Retrieved August 2009
  5. Ben-Aderet, N., Johnston, E. M., Cravey, R. & Sandin, S. A. (2020). Revisiting the life history of yellowtail jack (Seriola dorsalis) in the Southern California Bight: new evidence for ontogenetic habitat shifts and regional differences in a changing environment.
  6. Feder, H. M., Turner, C. H. & Limbaugh, C. (1974). Fish Bulletin 160. Observations on fishes associated with kelp beds in southern California. Scripps Institution of Oceanography Library. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/73m5c8qm.pdf
  7. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2022. Yellowtail, Seriola dorsalis (lalandi), Enhanced Status Report.
  8. Miller, D. J., Lea, R. N., & STATE OF CALIFORNIA THE RESOURCES AGENCY DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME. (1972). GUIDE TO THE COASTAL MARINE FISHES OF CALIFORNIA. https://www.nativefishlab.net/library/textpdf/15272.pdf
  9. Baxter, J. L. (1960). Fish Bulletin No. 110. A study of the yellowtail Seriola dorsalis (Gill). Scripps Institution of Oceanography Library. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6nq200v0.pdf
  10. Feder, H. M., Turner, C. H. & Limbaugh, C. (1974). Fish Bulletin 160. Observations on fishes associated with kelp beds in southern California. Scripps Institution of Oceanography Library.
  11. Baxter, J. L. (1960). Fish Bulletin No. 110. A study of the yellowtail Seriola dorsalis (Gill). Scripps Institution of Oceanography Library. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6nq200v0.pdf
  12. Tsukamoto, K. (1984). The role of the red and white muscles during swimming of the yellowtail. NIPPON SUISAN GAKKAISHI, 50(12), 2025–2030. https://doi.org/10.2331/suisan.50.2025
  13. Tsukamoto, K. (1984). The role of the red and white muscles during swimming of the yellowtail. NIPPON SUISAN GAKKAISHI, 50(12), 2025–2030. https://doi.org/10.2331/suisan.50.2025
  14. Ben-Aderet, N., Johnston, E. M., Cravey, R. & Sandin, S. A. (2020). Revisiting the life history of yellowtail jack (Seriola dorsalis) in the Southern California Bight: new evidence for ontogenetic habitat shifts and regional differences in a changing environment.
  15. Eschmeyer, W.N.; E.S. Herald; H. Hammann (1983). A field guide to Pacific coast fishes of North America . Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. p.  336.
  16. Feder, H. M., Turner, C. H. & Limbaugh, C. (1974). Fish Bulletin 160. Observations on fishes associated with kelp beds in southern California. Scripps Institution of Oceanography Library. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/73m5c8qm.pdf
  17. Madigan, D., Snodgrass, O. & Fisher, N. (2018). From migrants to mossbacks: tracer- and taginferred habitat shifts in the California yellowtail Seriola dorsalis. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 597, 221–230. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12593
  18. Feder, H. M., Turner, C. H. & Limbaugh, C. (1974). Fish Bulletin 160. Observations on fishes associated with kelp beds in southern California. Scripps Institution of Oceanography Library. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/73m5c8qm.pdf
  19. Madigan, D., Snodgrass, O. & Fisher, N. (2018). From migrants to mossbacks: tracer- and taginferred habitat shifts in the California yellowtail Seriola dorsalis. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 597, 221–230. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12593
  20. Bianchi, G., K.E. Carpenter, J.-P. Roux, F.J. Molloy, D. Boyer and H.J. Boyer 1993 FAO species identification field guide for fishery purposes. The living marine resources of Namibia. FAO, Rome. 250 p.
  21. "Seriola lalandi, Yellowtail amberjack : Fisheries, aquaculture, gamefish".
  22. Madigan, D., Snodgrass, O. & Fisher, N. (2018). From migrants to mossbacks: tracer- and taginferred habitat shifts in the California yellowtail Seriola dorsalis. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 597, 221–230. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12593
  23. Nicholas C. Wegner, Mark A. Drawbridge, John R. Hyde (2018). Reduced swimming and metabolic fitness of aquaculture-reared California Yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) in comparison to wild-caught conspecifics, Aquaculture, Volume 486, 2018, Pages 51-56, ISSN 0044-8486. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2017.11.041.
  24. Rotman, F., Stuart, K., Silbernagel, C., & Drawbridge, M. (2021). The status of California yellowtail Seriola dorsalis as a commercially ready species for marine U.S. aquaculture. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 52(3), 595–606. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12808
  25. Rotman, F., Stuart, K., Silbernagel, C., & Drawbridge, M. (2021). The status of California yellowtail Seriola dorsalis as a commercially ready species for marine U.S. aquaculture. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 52(3), 595–606. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12808
  26. Fisheries One Stop Shop (FOSS) | NOAA Fisheries | Landings. (n.d.-b). https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/foss/f?p=215:200:10301380785527
  27. Feder, H. M., Turner, C. H. & Limbaugh, C. (1974). Fish Bulletin 160. Observations on fishes associated with kelp beds in southern California. Scripps Institution of Oceanography Library. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/73m5c8qm.pdf
  28. Feder, H. M., Turner, C. H. & Limbaugh, C. (1974). Fish Bulletin 160. Observations on fishes associated with kelp beds in southern California. Scripps Institution of Oceanography Library. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/73m5c8qm.pdf
  29. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2022. Yellowtail, Seriola dorsalis (lalandi), Enhanced Status Report.

Further reading