Orange-spotted Trevally

Overview

The Orange-spotted Trevally is a marine fish in the jack family, Carangidae, widely distributed across the tropical and subtropical Indo-West Pacific. It is a moderately large, predatory species that is frequently encountered by divers and fishers in coastal reef environments.

Distribution & habitat

This species ranges from the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Persian Gulf eastward to Indonesia, the Philippines, and as far as Okinawa, Japan. Adults typically inhabit coastal reef slopes and large coral heads within lagoons, while juveniles are often found in more sheltered coastal areas or estuaries.

Appearance

The Orange-spotted Trevally has an oblong, compressed body that is brassy to silvery in color, fading to a lighter silver on the belly. Its most distinctive feature is the presence of numerous small orange or yellow spots scattered across its sides. This species is capable of rapid color changes, sometimes appearing almost entirely yellow or orange, and may occasionally display faint, dusky bars on its flanks.

Biology & behavior

Adults are often seen swimming in schools along reef edges, though they may also be found individually. Juveniles, by contrast, are typically solitary. This species is a powerful predator that feeds primarily on crustaceans and small fishes. It is known to be a relatively long-lived species, with a maximum reported age of eight years.