Lemon fish is well known around the world for its delicious taste. It is a fairly abundant fish throughout the year, but the time when it is found in greatest quantity is in the months of May to June. Its scientific name is Seriola dumerili and belongs to the carangid family. It is a blue fish highly in demand in gastronomy with different commercial and local names throughout the world.
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Lemon fish characteristics
This species of fish is known in many parts of the world and in each area it is known by a name. For example, in Andalusia it is called amberjack, milkfish and lemonfish. On the other hand, in the Balearic Islands it is known as cirviola, cirvia, and sirvia and in the Canary Islands as megregal and lemon. It also often appears as crowned amberjack, lily or lechola depending on the area.
This animal typically lives in sandy areas and rocky depths of around 300 meters. When winter arrives, they settle on the seabed and only emerge to the surface when warmer temperatures arrive in spring. Its seasonal behavior explains why it is easier to observe it from the coast in the warmer months.
It has eight dorsal spines and between twenty-nine and thirty-five soft dorsal rays, three anal spines and twenty-two soft anal raysIts body is almost flattened and elongated. It also has small scales surrounding its body. Its head is larger and rounder, with small eyes, a wider mouth, and a longer, rounder snout with tiny teeth. The lateral line is slightly arched in the anterior part and lacks bony plates, presenting numerous tiny scales.
It has an anal fin preceded by two spines and two dorsal fins. Its tail has the typical V-shape of the carangids, which favors a powerful and sustained swimming. As for its color, it has a bluish dorsal part and a mixed white and silver ventral part. Almost all of them have a longitudinal yellow line, more or less diffuse, which covers the flanks, and a yellowish stripe that can run from the snout past the eye towards the dorsal fin.
Their size can vary between a meter and a meter and a half, depending on their age. When it reaches maturity, It can weigh up to 60 kilos. Its size and weight depend entirely on the area in which it lives, since temperatures and ocean currents determine its growth. In juveniles, dark vertical bands can be seen on a yellowish background, a pattern that fades with age.
In addition to its stylized appearance, the lemonfish has a extremely aerodynamic body which gives it great swimming power. It is a very combative fish: it can reach high speeds and perform rapid depth changes when it feels threatened, a characteristic that explains the difficulty of capturing it with light equipment.
Behavior and habitat
Usually this fish has a calm demeanor, without aggression toward other species. As a solitary species, it has pelagic habits. This fish is only seen forming groups or pairs during the breeding season. Once the amberjack has reproduced in the spring, it returns to the depths of the ocean.
When summer arrives, they can be observed near the surface on the coast. When they reach adulthood, they form large groups near most floating structures, such as jellyfish and salps. Young specimens They spend their first years of life in small flocks near the coast or on the high seas, where they associate with buoys, platforms and other floating objects that serve as refuge from predators. With age, the flocks become smaller and Large specimens tend to lead solitary lives.
Currently, its distribution area covers almost all the waters of the world's oceans. Its greatest abundance is in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, extending throughout the Mediterranean and the Bay of Biscay. Globally, its distribution is circumglobal, present in the Indian and western Pacific, especially associated with reefs and rocky bottoms.
Its habitat is in the depths of the ocean in a range between 80 and 300 metersIn the temperate months it approaches the coast and the surface, where it can be seen among 20 and 60 meters deep, moving like a fish pelagic or epibenthic depending on the availability of food and shelter.
Feeding and reproduction
These fish are pure carnivores, since their diet is based entirely on other fish and invertebrates, as well as squid and cuttlefishThis fish is usually caught while hunting other species such as horse mackerel, crustaceans, fry, and bream. When hunger strikes, it is capable of eating any organism that wanders around the area. In hard-bottomed areas, it incorporates small benthic organisms and various crustaceans in their diet, taking advantage of their speed to ambush gregarious prey.
Regarding reproduction, there are several aspects to consider. The location where they reproduce depends on variables such as temperature and the climate zone in which they are located. It generally occurs in spring and summer, when temperatures rise and are more pleasant for raising the fry. The species is gonochoric (sexes separate) and both eggs and larvae are planktonic, drifting with the currents in their early stages.
Reproduction takes place when lemon fish become adults (usually within four years for males and five years for females). When this occurs, spawning is possible. At this point in their life they are usually a size of about 80 centimeters and weigh 12 kilosThese fish grow very quickly, reaching up to 40 centimetres in length in the first six months. In some regional studies, the sexual maturity It has been observed around 109 cm in females y 113 cm in males, with variations depending on the population and environment.
When fish have reproduced for several years They are capable of reaching lengths of more than one and a half meters and can weigh over 60 kilos (specimens weighing up to 80 kilograms have even been found). The amberjack fish chooses its breeding grounds in relatively small schools and establishes its habitat near floating objects such as platforms, buoys, or other objects close to the coast. After spawning, the eggs hatch and the larvae emerge; as they grow, the juveniles disperse and seek solitude again.
Both eggs and larvae are carried by ocean currents. The larval stage in the plankton extends for weeks, and the entire process until juveniles settle in safe areas and begin to associate with structures can be prolonged. Several monthsDuring their early stages, it is not uncommon to observe fry under the "hat" of scyphomedusae, which provide them with protection.
Common names, taxonomy and related species
In the gastronomic and fishing field, Seriola dumerili It shares the family (Carangidae) with species such as horse mackerel and mackerel. It is known by multiple regional names: amberjack, amberjack, amberjack, cirviola, amberjack, lily, lechola, among others. Its nickname “lemonfish” alludes to the yellowish stripe that runs along the flank and golden tones of the back in some specimens.
It's best not to confuse it with other species. Related names appear in the market and in various culinary cultures: hamachi y every In Japan they refer to Seriola quinqueradiata (close relative), where “hamachi” designates specimens juveniles (approx. 3-5 kg) and “buri” the adults. It is also frequently mentioned yellowtail amberjack (seriola lalandi), distributed in temperate waters and appreciated in a similar way. On the other hand, the palometón (Lichia amia) belongs to a different species, although in some areas the names are confused; its features and habits are not identical. Correctly distinguish the species helps adjust culinary and fishing expectations.
Fishing and nutritional values
Fishing for these fish is very common on the dates mentioned above. Thanks to the fact that they ascend to the coast, they are easier to be found and captured. Its fishing does not present problems and is usually successful thanks to the fact that the most suitable time for its capture and the places that it usually frequents are known. Although in the months of May and June they are more abundant, these fish are usually found throughout the year. Lemonfish in sport fishing It can be considered quite a challenge due to its aerodynamic body and speed.
The difficulty of its fishing is due to the streamlined shape of your body. With this form, they are able to swim with tremendous strength and agility. With these skills, they are able to stay on the seabed for long periods of time. The lemonfish is a real trophy for fishermen fans of the coast and the high seas. The bigger the size, the more satisfying it is.
Techniques from a boatLight trolling at 2-4 knots works very well, using natural baits such as mounted sardine, spit, mullet or cuttlefish; in their absence, artificial lures also work. Typical equipment: 1,8-2 m rods with light drag (10-30 lb), multiplier reels size 2/0 to 4/0 with 300-500 m of 0,55-0,70 mm monofilament, a steel leader of about 2 m and hooks 3/0 to 6/0.
Techniques from the coast. Heavy surfcasting with 4-5 m rods, 0,50-0,70 mm line, bottom tackle and steel leaders is a serious option when fish approach the shoreline. As bait, sardine, horse mackerel, mackerel or spit (30-35 cm) if fished with dead bait; with live bait, fo It is usually very effective. Caution when collecting: its runs and depth changes They are dazzling.
Furthermore, it is highly valued for its nutritional contributions rich in protein, Omega-3, minerals, and vitamins. From a nutritional point of view, the amberjack he is a champion: for every 100 g it can provide around 130-184 calories depending on the piece, with 21-24 g of protein of high biological value and a content of mostly unsaturated fats. The most notable are the omega-3 fatty acids (beneficial for cardiovascular health), vitamins B12, B3, A, D and E, and minerals like selenium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc and ironIts carbohydrate content is practically null, as in most fish.
To choose a quality piece it is advisable to look at shiny scales, light eyes with a greenish tone (not sunken) and golden-hued spine well defined. The meat should look firm, with bright color and a pleasant marine odor. These signs are useful for differentiating between fresh fish and one that has become tired due to exposure time.
Aquaculture and sustainability
Demand for lemon fish has boosted its aquaculture breeding in different regions, with notable advances in controlling their reproduction and health. Species of the genus are cultivated in countries with a seafaring tradition and in Asian destinations. Seriola, which facilitates a stable supply all year and reduces pressure on wild banks. Aquaculture contributes to sustainability and maintain populations of iconic species such as the lemonfish.
In terms of conservation, is not considered globally threatened, although local populations may be affected by fishing pressures and environmental changes. Responsible management (minimum sizes, closed seasons, selective fishing gear) and informed purchase contribute to maintaining sustainable fisheries. For the consumer, prioritizing seasonal catches, transparent origins, and respectful practices is the best guarantee of quality and future.
The lemonfish is well known and in demand all over the world for its rich flavor and fishing success. Knowing its biological characteristics, habits, diet and reproductive cycle, in addition to its commercial names and related species, helps to identify it accurately and to take advantage of it at the table and in sport fishing. Its nutritional profile and versatility place it among the most interesting blue fish to enjoy in everyday cooking and in more gourmet preparations.
