Banded Rudderfish: Seriola zonata

Appearance:

• Fish that are less than 11 inches long have a dark band from the eye to the first dorsal fin and six prominent bars on body
• Larger fish are bluish, greenish, or brown
• Soft dorsal base about twice the length of the anal fin
• The tail-lobe is white tipped

Habitat:

These fish are found nearshore and offshore over hard bottom, generally in shallower water than other amberjacks.  Young banded rudderfish are associated with weed lines or floating debris and may follow sharks and other large fish.

Behavior:

Adults feed on fish and shrimp.  Spawning occurs offshore most of year.

State Record:

This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:

Similar Fish: other Seriola.

Additional Information:

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles