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Bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus)

Key facts

Scientific name
Caranx melampygus
Common name
Bluefin trevally
Category
Fish
Family
Carangidae
Genus
Caranx
Size
40–117 cm
Depth
0–190 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
reef, open-water
Behaviours
schooling, fast-moving
Ocean zones
Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific

Description

Caranx melampygus reaches 1.17 m and 20 kg. Silver fusiform body recognizable by its brilliant electric-blue back and dark-blue fins. Forms fast schools patrolling above Indo-Pacific reefs to hunt small fish, also feeds alone or in pairs. Sometimes appears suddenly at speed around divers. From 0 to 190 m. Prized in sport fishing, can carry ciguatera risk in some areas.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Bluefin trevally?
Bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus) reaches 40–117 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Bluefin trevally?
Bluefin trevally is found between 0–190 m deep.
Is the Bluefin trevally dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Bluefin trevally?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Bluefin trevally?
Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the genus Caranx

  • Caranx latus - Horse-eye jack
  • Caranx crysos - Blue runner
  • Caranx ruber - Bar jack
  • Caranx caninus - Pacific crevalle jack
  • Caranx sexfasciatus - Bigeye trevally
  • Caranx senegallus - Senegal jack

Other species in the family Carangidae

  • Seriola dumerili - Greater amberjack
  • Trachinotus falcatus - Permit
  • Pseudocaranx dentex - White trevally
  • Selene peruviana - Pacific moonfish
  • Seriola rivoliana - Almaco jack
  • Trachinotus goodei - Palometa

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 218419)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2390750)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia