The almaco is similar to the greater amberjack but has a deeper body and more pointed dorsal and anal fins. They are also slightly more flattened and often have the dark bar through the eye. They are mostly brown in the body but with a lighter belly.
Young almaco jacks are frequently caught around sargassum weed and adults are found schooling on a wide range of offshore structures such as oilrigs and reefs. They are often found with greater amberjack, which prefer similar habitats.
Live bait and vertical jigs will be the most effective for these aggressive fighters. They will take dead bait occasionally. They are very strong for their size and often amaze anglers with their fighting ability.