Latin name

Caranx heberi

Other name

Blacktip kingfish or yellowtail kingfish.

Identification

Blacktip trevally has a compressed elongated body with the dorsal profile much more convex than the ventral profile, especially anteriorly. The lateral line of the species is moderately curved anteriorly, with 50 to 60 scales on this portion, while the straight portion contains 0 to 4 scales and 30 to 40 strong shields. The scale pattern on the thorax varies from completely covered with scales to the exposed ventral portion. This species has moderately well-developed fat eyelids, and the dentition consists of an outer row of widely spaced canines and an inner group of villous teeth on the upper jaw and a row of widely spaced conical teeth on the lower jaw. This species has 24 to 27 gill rakers and 24 vertebrae.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin consists of two distinct parts: the first consists of 8 spines and the second consists of 1 spine and 19 to 21 soft rays. The anal fin consists of 2 anterior spines followed by 1 spine and 15 to 17 soft rays. The pelvic fin consists of 1 spine and 5 soft rays, while the caudal fin is strongly bifurcated. 

Fish colouring

The upper body of the blacktip trevally ranges from dark bronze to yellow-green, while the lower body is silvery white underneath. The caudal fin is pale to olive yellow and the upper half is usually black to dark, giving the species its common name. The other fins range from pale yellow to dark brown with a small amount of yellowing. This species also lacks the dark spot along the edge of the gill that many related species have.

Distribution

Widespread in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. In the western part of its range, the species extends from South Africa and Madagascar northward along the coast of East Africa to the Persian Gulf and Red Sea. Its distribution continues eastward through India, Southeast Asia, and the Indonesian archipelago. Its range extends south to northern Australia, north to Japan, and east to Fiji.

Habitat

It is a predominantly coastal species that frequents clear coastal waters when mature, with juveniles also found in large bays and estuaries. Adults are often found on moderately deep rocky reefs and pinnacles, as well as open sandy areas.

Size

A large fish that reaches a maximum recorded size of 1 m in length and 12.5 kg in weight. The average length of males of this species is 30.0 cm.

Behavior

These fish typically travel in small schools as well as solitary throughout their range, with juveniles more commonly found in schools. They appear to be migratory, as South Africa sees an influx of this species during the summer, while in India they arrive after the monsoon and continue through the colder months. 

Food and feeding habits

This species is a benthopelagic predator that hunts prey from the seafloor and higher in the water column. It preys on a variety of fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans, including shrimp, mantises, crabs, and river crayfish.

Reproduction

The reproduction of the blacktip trevally is poorly understood, although observations indicate that it spawns in the more tropical regions of its range and reaches maturity at 50 cm.

Fishing

Of minor commercial importance throughout its range, it is harvested by hook, line and various netting methods and is sold fresh, salted or dried. This species is considered a good game fish and can be caught using fish or squid bait, as well as various lures and flies. When taken out of the water, the fish often "grunts" like a young piglet. 

Relationship with a person

Harmless. Considered an excellent food fish, although it is known to carry parasitic infections in some regions.