The Golden Trevally, Gnathanodon speciosus, is the sole member of its genus, Gnathanodon, which translates to 'jaw without teeth'. This marine species grows to a maximum length of 120 cm (47 in) and can weigh up to 15 kg (33 lb). Its body is compressed and oblong, characterised by a distinctive fleshy, protractile mouth. Juveniles display a bright golden yellow colouration marked by several prominent black vertical bars. Adults transition to a silvery or golden-silvery hue, though their fins consistently remain yellow. A moderately arched lateral line runs along its body, featuring scales and scutes.
Golden Trevally primarily inhabit inshore waters, occurring equally in both reef and sandy environments, with a preference for clear water conditions. Adults may be solitary or form small schools. Juveniles typically aggregate and are notable for their behaviour of closely following larger marine animals such as groupers, sharks, or jellyfish, mimicking pilot fish. Its diet consists of crustaceans, molluscs, and small fish. The protractile jaw is employed to suck prey from reef and sandy substrates. Spawning in the southern 🌊 Persian Gulf peaks in April and May, with juvenile recruitment occurring between September and October. Growth rates have been analysed using otoliths, revealing seasonal variations.
Gnathanodon speciosus is an important commercial species in the Persian Gulf (Grandcourt et al. 2004). Gnathanodonspeciosus is also a popular gamefish. Grandcourt et al. (2004) determined Gnathanodon _speciosus_was over-exploited by growth over-fishing in the southern Persian Gulf, attributing 55.1% of total mortality caused by fishing. However, if the mean size at first capture is increased from 32.5 to 33.7 cm fork length (FL), maximizing the yield per recruit, Grandcourt et al. (2004) predicted an increase in yields and the standing stock biomass of an order of magnitude higher. This would also prevent growth over-fishing at the existing rate of fishing mortality (0.551 year-1). Grandcourt et al. (2014) determined Gnathanodonspeciosus stock has collapsed in Abu Dhabi.
Threat classification from the IUCN Red List.
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