Fiji | 1995 | 5 Cents | Giant Trevally

 


Giant Trevally





The Giant Trevally (Caranx ignobilis), also known as the lowly trevally, barrier trevally, or ulua, is a large marine fish in the jack family, Carangidae. It is found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region, from South Africa to Hawaii, including Japan and Australia. This species is notable for its steep head profile, strong tail scutes, and a silvery body, often with dark spots, though males turn black as they mature. The Giant Trevally is the largest fish in the Caranx genus, growing up to 170 cm (67 inches) in length and 80 kg (176 lbs) in weight.

It inhabits a range of marine environments, from estuaries and lagoons as juveniles to deep reefs and offshore areas as adults. Juveniles are known to thrive in low-salinity waters, such as coastal lakes and river mouths. As an apex predator, the Giant Trevally hunts both individually and in schools, feeding mostly on fish, but also consuming crustaceans, cephalopods, and molluscs. Their hunting strategies are unique, including using monk seals and sharks to ambush prey, as well as leaping to catch birds.

The species spawns during specific lunar phases in warmer months, with large schools gathering in reefs and bays. Giant Trevallies grow quickly, reaching sexual maturity around 60 cm (3 years). They are important both for commercial fisheries and as a gamefish. Annually, large quantities are caught in Asia and Hawaii, though concerns over declining numbers in Hawaii have led to proposals to limit fishing.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Belgium | 1991 | 5 Francs | King Baudouin I

East Carribean States | 1965 | 10 Cents | Queen Elizabeth

Denmark | 1957 | 1 Krone | King Frederick IX