Colours

Distinguishing features

A large, fast moving silvery fish with a speckling of fine black spots over the flank, and a dark spot on the upper pectoral fin base. Usually seen in singly or in pairs along the edges of reefs and in passes. The largest Trevally - maximum size about 170cm.

Size

Depth range

Synonyms

Distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

Areas of deep water close to reef edges, favours locations with good water movement and plentiful schools of planktivorous prey fish.

Can be found in most reef habitats around the island, although prefers reef margins near deep water.

Behaviour

The largest trevally, this species is considered an apex predator in coral reef environments, feeding on both pelagic and reef associated fishes and invertebrates. Giant Trevallies in Hawaii have been shown to roam widely over their home reefs, regularly patrolling areas of up to 5km and occasionally making movements as far as 30km across whole atolls to visit spawning sites. Juveniles of this species are found in shallow estuary habitats and migrate out to reefal waters at about 25-30cm length. This species is mature at about 4 years and lives to more than 12 years.

Web resources

Danger

References