Common name: Golden trevally
General information
The Golden Trevally, Gnathanodon speciosus, is a striking fish known for its bright yellow juvenile coloration and distinctive black bands. As they mature, their coloration changes to a more subdued silver with fainter bands. They are a member of the Carangidae family, which includes jacks and pompanos. These fish are often seen accompanying larger marine animals, such as sharks, rays, and sea turtles, a behavior that has earned them the nickname 'Pilot Fish'.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 60 cm (2′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs large swimming space
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. veggies
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial, especially with conspecifics
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyJacksCarangidae
- GenusGolden TrevallyGnathanodon
- SpeciesGolden trevallyGnathanodon speciosus (Forsskål, 1775)
- SynonymsCaranx cives De Vis, 1884Caranx edentulus Alleyne & Macleay, 1877Caranx panamensis Gill, 1863Caranx poloosoo Richardson, 1848Caranx speciosus (Forsskål, 1775)Gnathandon speciosus (Forsskål, 1775)Gnathanodon specious (Forsskål, 1775)Gnathodon speciosus (Forsskål, 1775)Gnathonodon speciosus (Forsskål, 1775)Scomber speciosus Forsskål, 1775
Care
Golden Trevally are a challenging species to keep in home aquariums due to their large size and active swimming behavior. They require a very large tank with ample open space to swim. These fish are not reef-safe as they may nip at or consume smaller fish and invertebrates. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish is essential for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Golden Trevally form large aggregations for spawning. They are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. Breeding them in captivity is rare and not well-documented, making them a less common choice for aquarists looking to breed marine fish.
Habitat
Golden Trevally are found in warm oceanic waters and are common in the Indo-Pacific region. They inhabit a variety of environments from shallow inshore waters to deep offshore reefs, often seen in the surf zone or around coral formations.