Family

The trevally, originating from the Carangidae family, is a traveling predator from coastal waters of the Red Sea. There are almost 150 classified species of which some 40 reside in the Red Sea. They share a lot of similarities from an external point of view, like their torpedo-shaped body design and basic body colour, varying from silverfish and yellow to green and bluish tinges. The diurnal trevally is a larger fish which is pelagic, meaning it prefers the open sea. It forms schools to chase schools of herrings and anchovies. The trevally frequents outer reefs on their hunting mission, ‘surfing’ on strong currents.

Family Members

Bigeye Trevally 

Size up to 85 cm (2,8 ft). Depth up to 90m (300ft)

The bigeye trevally can be seen in large schools of hundreds and hundreds near dramatic drop-offs, corridors and deep lagoons, chasing reef fishes and crustaceans. They have a large, oval body which is blue and silvery green. When the sun sets the large groups tends to disintegrate into smaller formations. It shows activity both day and night. 

Bluefin Trevally

Size up to 100 cm (3,3ft). Depth up to 190m (625 ft)

Sea breams, sweepers and small snappers fasten their seatbelts when the diurnal bluefin trevally is in marauding mode, doing so in smaller groups. The hunting grounds of these trevallies are rocky and coral reefs in large areas. The bluefin is of a more colourful variety, with ‘goldish’ shading to yellow and silver, the fins being blue of course, and the body dotted with black and blue spots.

Giant Trevally

Size up to 170 cm (5,6 ft). Depth up to 50m (165ft)

As a true giant, this trevally is pretty abundant near deeper slopes and inner reefs or on sand flats. It doesn’t mind to hunt in shallower waters and does so on the lookout for crustaceans and cephalopods. Its body radiates power with a bi-coloured tone of slate grey and silver, marked by small black spots on either side. The giant is primarily active during the night but also shows activity during the day. It’s a fanatic predator who in turn is eagerly hunted by sharks.

Orange-Spotted Trevally

Size up to 55 cm (1,8 ft). Depth up to 50m (165ft)

The diurnal orange-spotted trevally, also referred to as the goldbody or gold-spotted trevally, stands out with its characteristic orange-yellowish spots. They are fierce predators in coastal reefs or near the edges of drop-offs. It can transform its coloration from golden to silver with golden spots. Basically, it's a piscivore but occasionally eats crustaceans. It’s a loner of the true kind, yet may seek school company for hunting missions. 

 Other Family Members

Bluebar Trevally

Heber's Trevally

Yellow-Dotted Trevally

Black Trevally

Orangespotted Trevally

Barred Trevally

Golden Trevally