Species In-Depth | Print full entry

At the Aquarium

An exhibit with a school of about one hundred California yellowtail is located in the Pacific Visions Culmination Gallery. The fish were provided by Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute.

Geographic Distribution

This species’ range extends from Southern California to the Baja Peninsula, Mexico.

Habitat

These fish are typically found over rocky reefs, around offshore islands, and within kelp forests. They prefer subtropical waters ranging from 64.4 to 75.2 degrees F (18 to 24 degrees C).

Physical Characteristics

This large, fast-swimming, fusiform fish has a narrow caudal peduncle and strongly forked tail. Countershading (having darker coloration on the dorsal side and lighter shading on the ventral side) helps these fish stay hidden from predators and prey, alike. They have a dark blue dorsal color and silver sides and belly. A narrow bronze stripe next to lateral line turns yellow as it nears the caudal fin. The caudal fin and most other fins are mainly yellow.

Size

The average length of California yellowtail is 31 inches (80 cm), with a maximum length of 8.2 feet (2.5 m).

Diet

Adults eat squid, herring, sardines, northern anchovies, and California flying fish. Larval California yellowtail eat plankton.

Reproduction

Sexual maturity is typically reached at two to three years. California yellowtail are broadcast spawners. Spawning typically occurs in December and January if the water temperature is about 62.6 degrees F (17 degrees C).

Courtship begins thirty to ninety minutes prior to spawning. The male will place himself beneath a female with his snout touching the female’s gonoduct. The pair begins swimming erratically, with sudden bursts of speed and mid-water stalls with their bodies or snouts touching. Ten to fifteen minutes prior to spawning, the male will begin to nip the female’s abdomen, and the female begins to swim in a circular fashion while turning on her side. The female will then begin to spawn, followed closely by the male spawning. Spawning will last about twenty seconds.

Spawning output depends on body size, with smaller females producing 458,000 eggs and larger females producing 3,914,000 eggs annually. Larvae will begin to hatch approximately 103 to 108 hours after fertilization. Their eyes and digestive system will develop four days after hatching. These larvae will feed on plankton.

Behavior

Schools of these fish migrate along the California and Mexican coasts during the year. Summer finds them migrating south along the Baja peninsula. In winter they migrate north along the California coast, typically around the Channel Islands, but they have been found as far north as Washington State.

Adaptation

California yellowtail countershading helps protect them from predators. From above, the darker coloration on their dorsal side helps them blend in with the darker deep water. From below, their lighter ventral coloration makes them appear to blend in with the sunlit surface waters.

Longevity

This species’ lifespan ranges from five to twelve years. This fish is a highly prized gamefish, so many do not reach their maximum lifespan.

Conservation

California yellowtail are listed as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.