FISH & SEAFOOD : FRESH OR FROZEN

Yellowtail [fish]

Seriola lalandi

Other Common Names

Cape yellowtail (RSA), Yellowtail kingfish (Australia), Sériole chicard (France), Californian yellowtail (USA), Southern yellowtail/Giant yellowtail (Worldwide)

Other Scientific Names

Halatractus dorsalis, Lichia pappei, Seriola aureovittata.

Etymology

Seriola is an Old Italian name for; these fish
Lalandi - Named after an early nuturalist; Delalande.
Cape yellowtail is a referance to the region this fish is commonly found in and to its spectacular yellow tail.

Features

Yellowtail has a narrow head, large eyes and what seems like a large mouth, filled with pointed canine like teeth. The body appears metallic - blue to silvery, with silver - white sides and a white belly. They have a distinguishing bright yellow tail, and a narrow bronze stripe along the middle of the body.

Size : 90 cm | Weight : 3 kg

Ecology

Occasionally found in cooler waters, but they prefer warmer coastal and offshore waters. The yellowtail feeds along the bottom of the sea floor on crustaceans and small fish. The immature young will filter plankton and smaller invertebrate animals from the water.

Distribution

Found from Skeleton coast to Tugela River past Durban, where it's caught with hand - lines from vessels.

Regulation

Minimum legal size - None
Bag limit for recreational fishing - 10 per person.