Latin name

Ulua aurochs

Other names

Black-crested Trevally, Longraker Trevally, Mirror-mouthed Trevally.

Identification

There are many very long, feather-like gill stamens that protrude into the mouth along with the tongue. Older individuals also have a prominent chin that extends well beyond the upper jaw.

Features of fish fins

Ulua aurochs differs from Ulua mentalis in the length of the soft rays on the dorsal and anal fins.

Fish colouring

The body coloration is bluish to silvery blue, with broad scattered stripes on the sides, a shiny mirror silver inside the mouth and on the tongue, and a very long filament on the dorsal fin. 

Distribution

Occurs in the Indo-Pacific region of the western and central Pacific Ocean. Its range extends from New Guinea, northern Australia, the Philippines and the Pacific Islands in the western and central Pacific Ocean.

Habitat

Marine; pelagic-neritic, tropical species.

Size

Adults can grow to 20 inches (50 centimeters).

Behavior

Adults inhabit coastal waters. 

Food and feeding habits

Predatory fish that preys on small fish and invertebrates in waters above reefs and in the open sea. Juveniles feed on zooplankton.

Reproduction

Egg laying species, females lay eggs. During the breeding stage, females release a large number of eggs into the water, which are then fertilized by the males' sperm.

Fishing

Have a small commercial fishery.

Relationship with a person

Used for human consumption.