ANIMAL SPECIES:Giant Trevally, Caranx ignobilis (Forsskal, 1775)
The Giant Trevally can be recognised by its steep head profile, strong scutes on the straight, posterior portion of the lateral line and its large size. It is the largest species of trevally in Australian waters, growing to 1.7m in length.
Identification
The Giant Trevally can be recognised by its steep head profile, strong scutes (glossary) on the straight, posterior portion of the lateral line and its large size.
Its colouration varies from uniform silvery to almost black. It can sometimes be a dusky golden colour and have dark irregular bands on the back, but never has a dark spot on the rear of the operculum.
Size range
It is the largest species of trevally in Australian waters, growing to 1.7m in length.Distribution
It occurs throughout the Indo Pacific.
In Australia it is known from the central coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north and south to the New South Wales central coast.
Habitat
The species is usually seen cruising along reef dropoffs in tropical marine waters.
Classification
- Species:
- ignobilis
- Genus:
- Caranx
- Family:
- Carangidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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A Giant Trevally at Rapid Horn View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Giant Trevally purchased at Sydney fish markets. View full size
Sally Reader
© Australian Museum
A Giant Trevally from Sydney Fish Market View full size
Sally Reader
© Australian Museum
Posterior region of a Giant Trevally View full size
Sally Reader
© Australian Museum
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