What kind of fish is a yellowtail?

The Seriola lalandi, or Yellowtail amberjack, is most commonly known as a yellowtail. However, when referring to sushi, the term yellowtail refers to Seriola quinqueradiata, or the Japanese amberjack. Yellowtail amberjack is also known as California yellowtail.

The yellowtail is a coastal fish that can typically be found around offshore islands and rocky reefs. It is easily identified by the olive-to-brown body with a yellow strip arcing from the snout to the tail. The tail of the yellowtail is typically bright yellow, while the fins can be a duller yellow color. The yellowtail fish is carnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, invertebrates and crabs.