Latin name

Gnathanodon speciosus

Other name

Golden kingfish, banded trevally, king trevally.

Identification

The golden trevally has a compressed, elongated body with the dorsal profile slightly more convex than the ventral. They have a fleshy mouth. The curved part of the lateral line is moderately arched. The thorax is completely covered with scales.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18 - 20; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 15 - 17.

Fish colouring

The golden trevally is easily distinguished from its congeners by its unique colouring, which ranges from bright yellow with black stripes in juveniles to golden silver in adults. 

Distribution

Widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, from South Africa in the west to Central America in the east, from Japan in the north to Australia in the south. 

Habitat

Marine tropical species. Depth range from 0 to 80 m. Predominantly found in coastal waters, both on reefs and sandy substrates.

Size

This fish can reach a length of 120 cm and a weight of up to 15 kg. The total length of this species is 75.0 cm.

Behavior

Shoals of juvenile golden trevally often follow large objects such as sharks and jellyfish. Small juveniles live between the tentacles of jellyfish. Adults form schools.

Food and feeding habits

It uses its retractable jaw to suck prey from the sand or reef, feeding on a variety of fish, crustaceans and molluscs. 

Reproduction

This species spawns at night at different times of the year throughout its range.

Fishing

It is a popular commercial fish, caught by bait, trolling, fly-fishing and spearing throughout its range. 

Relationship with a person

The golden carang is currently bred in fish farms in several Asian countries. Juveniles are popular in marine aquariums because of their brilliant colouring.