Bluefin Trevally, Caranx melampygus (Cuvier, 1833)

ANIMAL SPECIES:Bluefin Trevally, Caranx melampygus (Cuvier, 1833)

The Bluefin Trevally gets it's common name from the electric blue colour of the second dorsal, caudal and anal fins. The species is usually seen singly or occasionally in small schools around coral reefs. They are often seen in the company of other large bottom-feeding lethrinids.

Identification

The Bluefin Trevally can be recognised by the electric blue colour of the second dorsal, caudal and anal fins. The upper half of the body is grey to brassy in colour with scattered small blue-black spots.

Size range

The species grows to 1 m in length.

Distribution

The Bluefin Trevally is found widely in tropical marine waters of the Indo-Pacific.

In Australia it occurs from Margaret River, Western Australia, around the tropical north and south to the central coast of New South Wales.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Bluefin Trevally specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Behaviour and adaptations

Other behaviours and adaptations

It is usually seen singly or occasionally in small schools.

Classification

Species:: melampygus
Genus:: Caranx
Family:: Carangidae
Class:: Actinopterygii
Subphylum:: Vertebrata
Phylum:: Chordata
Kingdom:: Animalia

What does this mean?

References

Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.

Last Updated: 16 June 2009

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