Bluefin Trevally
Caranx melampygus
Bluefin Trevally (Caranx melampygus) is a fast, hard-fighting jacks species found on tropical Indo-Pacific reefs, lagoons, and drop-offs. Adults are prized by anglers for explosive strikes and aerial runs; they can be wary in clear water and are best targeted on tides.
Identification points
- Bright electric-blue second dorsal, anal, and tail fins on adults
- Silvery to bluish body with a strongly forked yellowish tail
- Dark spot on the upper gill cover with a deep, stout trevally body
Habitat
Coral reefs, reef flats, outer reef slopes, lagoon channels, sandy drop-offs, and surf zones in warm tropical marine waters; juveniles often use shallow protected bays and estuaries.
Bait notes
Live pilchards, sardines, scad, mullet, or shrimp work well; cut bait also takes fish. Lures include surface poppers, stickbaits, soft plastics, and fast-retrieved metal jigs.
Behavior
An active visual predator that hunts fish, shrimp, and squid, often at dawn, dusk, and around moving tide water. It patrols reef edges and current seams, then bursts into open water to ambush prey.
Caution
Sharp gill covers and strong teeth-like jaws can cause cuts; handle with care. Large reef-caught specimens may carry ciguatera risk in some tropical areas, so check local advisories and avoid eating big fish from risky reefs.
Fishing notes
Cast ahead of cruising fish on reefs, tide rips, and current edges; use strong fluorocarbon leaders and stout tackle because they run hard and head for structure. Poppers and stickbaits are especially effective in low light.