Orangespotted Trevally

The orange-spotted trevally, scientifically known as Carangoides bajad and colloquially referred to as the gold-spotted trevally, belongs to the jack family, Carangidae. This species is prevalent in the tropical and subtropical marine environments of the Indo-Pacific, extending from 🇲🇬 Madagascar on the western front to 🇯🇵 Japan towards the east. It predominantly occupies inshore reef habitats. Distinguished by its distinct orange-yellow spots along its sides, the orange-spotted trevally requires a detailed analysis of fin rays and scutes for accurate differentiation from other similarly colored species. As a robust predator, this fish feeds on various smaller fish, nekton, and crustaceans, attaining sexual maturity at an approximate length of 25 cm and reaching a maximum observed length of 60 cm. Within its range, it is usually regarded as bycatch, except in the southern 🌊 Persian Gulf, where it constitutes a significant portion of local fisheries.

The species is classified under the genus Carangoides, which is part of the Carangidae family within the Carangiformes order. The body of the orange-spotted trevally exhibits a silvery grey to brassy hue, fading to silvery white on the ventral side. The presence of conspicuous orange to yellow spots facilitates easy field identification, although reports exist of a rare all-yellow variant capable of rapidly transitioning back to its standard coloration. The fins range in color from hyaline to lemon yellow, with no dark opercular spot observed.

Geographically, the orange-spotted trevally inhabits the 🇮🇳 Indian and western 🌊 Pacific Oceans, from 🇲🇬 Madagascar and Comoros Islands, extending northward to the 🌊 Red Sea, 🌊 Gulf of Aden, and 🌊 Persian Gulf, possibly reaching as far east as 🇮🇳 India, despite limited records there. It is frequently encountered from the Gulf of Thailand to Okinawa (🇯🇵 Japan), 🇯🇵 Japan, extending south to regions such as 🇮🇩 Indonesia, the 🇵🇭 Philippines, and New Britain. There was a disputed claim in 2005 of its capture in the Mediterranean Sea, suggesting potential Lessepsian migration through the Suez Canal (🇪🇬 Egypt).

The orange-spotted trevally is typically a coastal species, found primarily in inshore waters over rocky and coral reefs, either solitary or in schools at depths ranging from 2 to 50 meters. It is frequently observed along the perimeter of seaward reefs, occasionally mingling with Parupeneus cyclostomus.

This species is a proficient swimmer and predator, with a diet comprising fish, crustaceans, and nekton. It enters reproductive maturity between the ages of 1 to 3 years, at lengths of approximately 15 to 30 cm, with a spawning peak in the 🌊 Persian Gulf observed from June to September. Variations in spawning periods across its range remain to be fully documented. The species exhibits a seasonal growth rate, with the fastest growth between November and April and a slower rate from May to September.

Throughout its range, the orange-spotted trevally is sporadically captured using methods such as hook and line, gill nets, and other artisanal fishing techniques, predominantly as bycatch. However, in the southern 🌊 Persian Gulf, it plays a crucial role in local fisheries, being one of the most commonly netted species near the seabed, with wire traps used to capture specimens subsequently sold fresh in local markets. The combined annual catch of Carangoides bajad and Gnathanodon speciosus is approximately 1100 tonnes. Despite some species experiencing overexploitation due to the expansion of the 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates' fishing fleet, the orange-spotted trevally continues to be harvested at sustainable levels.