Although previously thought to be found in all oceans and seas, recent genetic analysis restricts S. lalandi proper to the Southern Hemisphere waters.

[4] The yellowtail amberjack was formally described in 1833 by French zoologist Achille Valenciennes from type specimens sent to him[5] by naturalist and explorer Pierre Antoine Delalande, who is honoured in its specific name.

[9] In general, they inhabit rocky reefs and adjacent sandy areas in coastal waters and occasionally enter estuaries.

Juvenile yellowtail amberjack are rarely seen, as they are often found far from land associated with floating debris or weed which provide camouflage.

Very little is known of the yellowtail amberjack's biology, including its habitat preferences throughout juvenile life stages, migration patterns, and wild reproductive behaviour.

Recreational fishers have reported that kingfish catches near Port Augusta were more reliable when the Playford Power Stations were discharging hot water into the upper Spencer Gulf.

[12] In the mid-1990s under heavy pressure from recreational anglers, Bob Martin, the minister for fisheries, prohibited the use of these traps in Sydney Harbour.

Their main diet consists of baitfish including yellowtail mackerel, squid, prawns, garfish, and kahawai.

[15][16] Water quality concerns were raised following farmed kingfish mortalities in upper Spencer Gulf, South Australia, in 2011.