Black Trevally

Overview

The Black Trevally is a large, predatory fish found in clear, tropical oceanic waters across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. It is typically associated with offshore islands, seamounts, and deep reef drop-offs rather than shallow coastal banks.

Appearance

This species has an oblong, compressed body with a distinctively steep, slightly concave profile at the front of the head. Its coloration ranges from dark olive-grey to black dorsally, fading to a bluish-grey on the belly. The fins and the prominent, sharp scutes along the lateral line are typically dark brown or black, providing a stark contrast to its body.

Biology & Behavior

Black Trevally are benthopelagic fish that may live in solitude or form small schools, sometimes associating with other species. They are known to be fast, agile hunters that coordinate their movements, particularly when patrolling reef edges. While they are a popular target for game fishing, they are sometimes linked to ciguatera poisoning.

Feeding

As active carnivores, they primarily hunt at night. Their diet consists of a variety of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. As larvae, they are known to consume zooplankton.

Reproduction

This species produces pelagic eggs that drift in the open ocean. In the Caribbean, spawning has been observed to occur between February and September, though early life history remains poorly understood.