Giant Trevally
Caranx ignobilis · KA-ranks ig-NOH-bil-is
diurnalsolitaryLeast Concern
EdibleUnfriendlyDangerousPoisonous
Superpower
Hits prey with such force it can leap from the water to snatch birds in flight.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 80 cm, up to 170 cm
- Lifespan
- 18–25 years
- Depth
- 1–190 m
Habitat
Reefs, lagoons and drop-offs, from shallows to deep water.
Diet
Fish, crustaceans and cephalopods.
Can I eat it?
Yes — edible · tastiness 6/10.
How to cook: Grilled or in soup ('talakitok'); large ones can carry ciguatera.
Safety
- Dangerous2/10
Powerful but no real threat to people.
- Poisonous3/10
Big individuals occasionally cause ciguatera poisoning.
Fun facts
- Giant trevally have been filmed leaping to grab seabirds out of the air.
- They are one of the most prized fish for sport anglers.
- Despite their power, they are wary and hard to catch by hand.