Depth
Seriola · Bony Fish

Mediterranean Amberjack

Seriola carpenteri

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Open Water
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Seriola
Species carpenteri

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationStreamlined, elongated body similar to the greater amberjack but smaller. Blue-grey to olive back with silver flanks. Lacks the prominent dark eye stripe of the greater amberjack.
  • SizeUp to 65 cm total length, commonly 30 to 45 cm.
  • Social HabitSchooling species, often in groups near offshore structures and drop-offs.
  • HabitatOpen water near reefs, wrecks, and seamounts. Pelagic but associated with underwater structures.
  • Depth15 to 200 m, most common between 30 and 100 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall fish, squid, and crustaceans caught in midwater.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA smaller, deeper-dwelling relative of the greater amberjack. Less commonly encountered by recreational divers due to its preference for deeper water. Schools patrol the edges of deep reefs and seamounts. Sometimes confused with the greater amberjack, but it lacks the distinctive dark diagonal eye stripe.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting open water environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Open Water habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Mediterranean Amberjack species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

A powerful pelagic hunter that pursues schools of small fish such as sardines, anchovies and bogue. Also takes squid and crustaceans.

Active predator

Reproduction

Spawns in open water during summer, releasing pelagic eggs. Juveniles shelter near floating debris and Posidonia meadows.

Pelagic spawner

Behaviour & Defence

Speed and agility are the primary defences. Adults form loose schools that can outswim most predators.

Speed

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Seriola carpenteri. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

0-30m
Comino

Blue Lagoon

Open water around Comino is a known passage for pelagic species, especially in summer.

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5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

The channel crossing at Cirkewwa draws pelagic species following currents from the open sea.

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18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The open reef beyond the wreck is visited by pelagic and semi-pelagic species on feeding runs.

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IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide