The Banded Rudderfish (*Seriola zonata*) is a medium-sized member of the jack family, recognized by its elongated body, bluish-green back, and distinctive dark bands running from its eyes to its dorsal fin. This species inhabits the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Massachusetts and Bermuda down to Brazil, and is often found near reefs, wrecks, and floating debris. While not as commercially significant as other jacks or amberjacks, the Banded Rudderfish is harvested both by recreational anglers and small-scale commercial fisheries, particularly in the United States, Brazil, and parts of the Caribbean. In the U.S., especially along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, it is caught incidentally in fisheries targeting other species, and is valued for its firm, white flesh. Brazil also records landings of this species, where it is consumed locally. Overall, the Banded Rudderfish does not support a large-scale international fishery, but is regionally important in the western Atlantic, with the United States and Brazil being the top fishing countries for this species.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States of America | 6 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.