As you are gliding through the water, enjoying your dive, a glimmer of light catches your attention. Curious, you move ahead to investigate, when suddenly, a large stream of silver torpedoes dart past you continuously. After a few moments, they swim by again, and you get a closer look. You notice the amber colored horizontal stripe along the center of its body; which connects the mouth, eye, and fin. Their size and speed is astonishing and it gets your heart pumping as you realize you have spotted an “Amberjack”!
The name jack fish includes numerous species around the world but the type most commonly spotted by scuba divers in the waters around Taiwan is the Greater Amberjack. The Greater Amberjack averages from 7 to 15 kg but fishermen have caught some as large as 70 kg. They are commonly found between 20 and 70 meters deep in rocky areas or near wrecks and other underwater structures but also venture closer to shore to hunt.
Amberjacks are predators so they are built for speed, which is apparent from their shape. Their size and strength also makes them a prized gamefish for anglers since they put up a big fight and are challenging to reel in. Unfortunately, because of their fleshy meat, they are also a popular fish for sushi and are commonly found in restaurants worldwide.
Your best chance to see Amberjacks is from winter into late spring when they spend more time closer to shore for mating. They head into deeper waters after May, but can be spotted occasionally year round if you’re lucky. They seem fearless, and almost playful when in the vicinity of divers and can often be seen swimming several laps around Divers and their bubble columns. Make sure to take the opportunity and marvel in this exquisite sight before they depart for another year!
For more info about these excursions, you can go to email us at
www.fundiverstw.com
Happy Bubbles!
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