Giant trevally (lowly trevally)
Caranx ignobilis

Officers of DPI Fisheries

This is a regulated fish. See Recreational fishing rules in Queensland - Tidal waters for the current regulations.

Description

This species is the largest species of the Indo-Pacific region. It can grow up to 1.7m (60kg), but is generally caught at much smaller sizes. At maturity giant trevally are 5 years of age and 95-96cm in length. These fish are bluish-silver on the back, sometimes with a yellowish hue. Their sides are yellowish silver, and they have a small oval-shaped patch of tiny scales on the breast, right in front of the ventral fins. The giant trevally lacks any opercular spot behind the eye, and no black blotch appears at the base of the pectoral fin. The upper flanks may be covered by a scattering of small black dots.

Habitat/distribution

The giant trevally, or GT as it is often known, ranges through all Australian warmwaters, into the Northern Territory. It is a marine, pelagic fish, occurring over the tropical continental shelf, with some venturing further offshore into southern waters. Most individuals of this species aggregate in large schools. Larger individuals tend to be solitary, and prefer to feed at night.

Further information

Grant, E.M. (2002). Grant's Guide To Fishes. E.M. Grant Pty Limited, Brisbane.

Note: Some information in this publication may change from time to time (especially size and in-possession limits). You should contact your nearest Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol or the DPI&F Call Centre (13 25 23) for latest fisheries regulations and information.

This DPI Note is also published on the DPI&F's PrimeNotes CD-ROM.

Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.

File No: f0056
Last reviewed December 2003