Smallspotted Dart

Trachinotus baillonii

Smallspotted Dart (Trachinotus baillonii) is a fast-swimming carangid of tropical Indo-Pacific reefs, lagoons, and surf zones. It is a schooling predator that feeds on small fishes, crustaceans, and other invertebrates around shallow coastal structure.

Saltwater

Smallspotted Dart reference image — Guido and Carrara family, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Silvery, strongly compressed jack-like body with a deeply forked tail
Distinct small dark spots on the upper sides and sometimes the fins
Steep head profile and small mouth, with no obvious body bars

Habitat

Tropical Indo-Pacific inshore waters: coral-reef flats, lagoons, seagrass edges, sandy surf zones, and passes near reefs; typically in clear, shallow coastal water.

Bait notes

Small live baits such as shrimp, pilchards, anchovies, and small mullet work well; cut bait can also take fish. Small metal spoons, jigs, and flashy minnow plugs are effective when fish are chasing bait.

Behavior

A wary, schooling ambush-forager that cruises open water and reef edges, often in loose groups. It feeds on small fish, shrimp, crabs, and other drifting prey, especially over flats and in current.

Caution

May contain ciguatera risk in some reef-associated areas; check local advisories and avoid eating larger reef-caught individuals from risky regions.

Fishing notes

Cast ahead of moving schools and retrieve quickly over flats or along drop-offs. Light to medium tackle, long fluorocarbon leaders, and stealthy presentations help; they can spook in very clear water.