Bluefin Trevally, Caranx melampygus (Cuvier, 1833)
Click to enlarge image
© Jack Randall, BPBM
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Caranx
- Species
- melampygus
- Family
- Carangidae
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to 1 m in length.
Introduction
Not surprisingly the common name for the species refers to the electric blue colour of the second dorsal, caudal and anal fins.
Identification
The Bluefin Trevally can be recognised by the electric blue colour of the second dorsal, caudal and anal fins. The upper half of the body is grey to brassy in colour with scattered small blue-black spots.
Habitat
The species is usually seen singly or occasionally in small schools around coral reefs. They are often seen in the company of large bottom-feeding lethrinids (emperors).
Distribution
The Bluefin Trevally is found widely in tropical marine waters of the Indo-Pacific. In Australia it occurs from Margaret River, Western Australia, around the tropical north and south to the central coast of New South Wales.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Other behaviours and adaptations
It is usually seen singly or occasionally in small schools.
References
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
