Image credit: Photo by OLIVER SCHWANEBERG on Unsplash
Giant Trevally
Caranx ignobilis
The giant trevally is a powerful, deep-bodied predator with a broad head, strong jaws and a silvery to dark grey body. It is one of the largest members of the jack family and is found across the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan, Australia and the Pacific islands.
Giant trevally are usually seen alone around reefs, lagoons and coastal waters. They are active predators, feeding on fish and crustaceans. Larger individuals can patrol reef edges and open water, sometimes moving surprisingly close to divers.
A large giant trevally is hard to ignore. Its size, solid build and confident movements give it an unmistakable presence underwater. Look around reef drop-offs, channels and areas where smaller fish gather. Give large individuals some space and let them keep their course rather than trying to follow them.
Giant trevally is currently classified as Least Concern globally by the IUCN. It is nevertheless targeted by commercial and recreational fisheries across its range. Large individuals are particularly valuable to fisheries, making responsible fishing important for maintaining healthy populations.
Did you know?
Giant trevally can reach around 1.7 metres in length and weigh up to 80 kg. At that size, it is one of the most impressive predators a diver can encounter on a tropical reef.
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