The blue trevally (Carangoides ferdau), also known as the banded trevally, barred trevally, Ferdau’s trevally or Forskaal’s jackfish, is a common, widespread species of pelagic marine fish classified in the jack family Carangidae. The blue trevally is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific and central Pacific regions, ranging from South Africa in the west to Hawaii in the east.
It is a moderately large fish, growing to a recorded maximum length of 70 cm, with the number of rays in the second dorsal fin and the colouring serving as diagnostic features of the species. The species inhabits waters to depths of 60 m, generally inhabiting reefs, beaches, lagoons and areas with sandy substrates. It is a predatory fish, taking other fish,prawns, crabs and molluscs, and very little is known of the species reproductive biology.
The blue trevally is of varying importance to fisheries throughout its range, with some regions having high catches of the fish. It is considered to be a gamefish and is sought after for its excellent eating qualities. The body is a blue-green to yellow-green above, becoming silvery below, with adults having five or six dusky vertical bands which usually persist after death. Numerous, inconspicuous golden spots often are present on the sides, mostly above the level of the pectoral fins.
The soft dorsal and anal fins are pale yellowish-green, and the anterior lobes of both often have white to blue tips. The caudal fin is yellow green, having a dark trailing edge and tips, while the pelvic fins are whitish to hyaline.
The species is of commercial importance in a number of areas due to its high abundance, or more often taken as bycatch in other major fisheries. Catch statistics for the individual species are rarely kept, though, and it is generally grouped with other trevallies. It is caught mainly on hook and line and with gill nets and various traps. In South Africa, it is considered a popular gamefish, and is often taken by anglers using various small baits, with the best catches had at dawn and dusk. It is considered to be an excellent table fish, although ciguatera poisoning attributed to this fish has been reported rarely.
(extract from Wikipedia)
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