Sealife guideThe bluefin trevallyCaranx melampygus
Last updated on 08/27/2024 at 11:43 PM
Taxonomy
English names
Bluefin trevally
French namesCarangue bleueCarangue étoilée
Spanish namesJurel de aleta azul
Scientific nameCaranx melampygus (Cuvier, 1833)
FamilyCarangidae
OrderCarangiformes
ClassActinopterygii
Description
The bluefin trevally is distinguished by its bright metallic blue color. Its body is elongated and laterally compressed.

The bluefin trevally is distinguished by its bright metallic blue color © Marco Lijoi | Dreamstime.com
The bluefin trevally is an impressive-sized fish, generally ranging between 12 and 24 inches in length, with some specimens easily reaching up to 35 inches.
Geographic range
The bluefin trevally inhabits the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
In the Indian ocean, the bluefin trevally is found along the coasts of East Africa, the Red sea, the western Indian ocean and the islands of the Indian ocean like the Seychelles, Madagascar and the Maldives.
In the Pacific ocean, the bluefin trevally is present across a vast area extending from the South Pacific islands, Australia and New Zealand to the Hawaiian islands.
Habitat
The bluefin trevally frequents coastal waters, coral reefs, and rocky areas. It often swims in small groups or schools.
Diet
The bluefin trevally is carnivorous, feeding primarily on small fish, crustaceans and cephalopods.
Did you know ?
Due to its impressive size and fighting spirit when hooked, the bluefin trevally is highly prized by sport fishing enthusiasts.

The bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus) © Andamanse | Dreamstime.com
The bluefin trevally is listed as many other marine species within The IUCN Red List of threatened species. The bluefin trevally appears in the IUCN Red List since 2016 within the category Least Concern !
Within the same genus

Bar jackCaranx ruber

Bigeye trevallyCaranx sexfasciatus

Blue runnerCaranx crysos

Crevalle jackCaranx hippos

Giant trevallyCaranx ignobilis

Horse-eye jackCaranx latus
Within the same family

Black tail permit fishTrachinotus falcatus

Double-spotted queenfishScomberoides lysan

Golden trevallyGnathanodon speciosus

Greater amberjackSeriola dumerili

LookdownSelene vomer

Orangespotted trevallyFlavocaranx bajad

RudderfishNaucrates ductor

Snubnose pompanoTrachinotus blochii
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