A dark stripe (variably present) extends from nose to in front of dorsal fin and "lights up" when fish is in feeding mode. No scutes. The soft dorsal base is less than twice the length of the anal fin base. Bluish-brown back, and a wide amber-brown stripe down the length of each side. Greater Amberjack have 11-19 gill rakes, 7 dorsal fin spines, and 30-34 dorsal fin rays.