The Bluefin trevally is a fish commonly found in the lagoons and reefs of the Maldives.
This fish typically inhabits shallow areas less than 40 meters deep. They are mostly found forming small schools.
Its diet consists of fish and crustacean-like creatures. It is a fish commonly caught by casting lines. It is a delicious fish consumed by Maldivians. When bigeye scad or similar baitfish enter the shallow lagoons of islands, the Bluefin trevally comes very shallow in search of food. Furthermore, this fish is very easily caught by casting a line with live bait.
The first dorsal fin on the back of the fish has 8 hard spines. The second dorsal fin has 1 similar spine along with 21 to 24 soft rays. On the anal fin, after 2 separate hard spines, there is 1 additional hard spine and 17 to 20 soft rays. This is a flat, very fast-swimming fish. The color of the upper part of the fish is greenish-blue. The color of the belly is silver. Black spots arranged in various patterns are present on the head and various parts of the body. The color of the upper dorsal fin and the anal fin is blue. This fish grows to a maximum of 1 meter.
Bluefin trevally: (Scientific name: Caranx melampygus)
(English language: Bluefin trevally)
Source: Maldives Marine Research Centre
