Blackbanded Jack

The black-banded trevally, scientifically known as Seriolina nigrofasciata, is a member of the carangid family found across the 🌊 Indian Ocean, the western 🌊 Pacific Ocean, and along the Atlantic coast of southeastern 🇿🇦 South Africa. This tropical species is associated with marine and brackish environments, primarily inhabiting reef and rocky bottom habitats at depths ranging from 20 to 150 meters (66 to 492 feet).

The species can attain a total length of up to 70 centimeters (28 inches), with a common length of approximately 50 centimeters. The maximum recorded weight for this species is 5.2 kilograms (11 pounds). Unlike schooling fish, the black-banded trevally exhibits a solitary lifestyle. Juvenile specimens are often found under floating weed rafts, while adults are occasionally observed alongside larger planktivores such as whale sharks. The diet of adult trevally consists primarily of demersal fish, cephalopods, and shrimp.

The coloration of the black-banded trevally features a bluish-grey to black dorsal area, transitioning to a white or dusky coloration below. Juveniles display 5 to 7 dark oblique bands or blotches, which fade as the fish matures. In larger adults, the posterior spines of the dorsal fin may be minute or embedded, and the first anal spine is typically embedded. The gill rakers are largely rudimentary, with grooves present on both the dorsal and ventral sides of the caudal peduncle. The maxilla extends below the rear margin of the eyes.

Regarded as an excellent food source, the black-banded trevally is marketed both fresh and dried salted. Its geographical distribution spans the Indo-West Pacific region, including the 🌊 Red Sea, East Africa, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇦🇺 Australia, and the 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands, as well as the southeastern Atlantic coast of 🇿🇦 South Africa.