Yellowtail Kingfish

Interesting Info

• The Yellowtail Kingfish is a pelagic schooling fish, they are found in temperate and subtropical waters around the world. In Australia they are common along the eastern and southern coastlines all the way to Western Australia.
• They have a distinctive appearance that makes them easily recognisable. Kingfish have a long, sleek body that is generally silver in colour, with a dark back and a yellowish-brown tail fin.
• Kingfish are highly targeted sports fish and often confused with Samson Fish or other Amberjack species.
• These fish are carnivores and feed on squid, prawns and a range of baitfish including Mackerel, Garfish, Scad (Yakkas), Pilchards and other small fish.
• Estimates of lifespan are up to 20 years with maturity between 5 and 10 years.
• Juvenile or smaller Yellowtail Kingfish are commonly called rats by anglers.
• The spawning season for Yellowtail Kingfish usually occurs between late winter and early summer, with peak spawning occurring in spring. Mature adults migrate to offshore spawning grounds, where they form large aggregations and release their eggs and sperm into the water column. Fertilised eggs then drift with ocean currents and hatch into larval fish.
• Kingfish are known for their powerful swimming ability and are capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour.