Bluefin Trevally
Scientific Name: Caranx melampygus | Category: saltwater
The Bluefin Trevally is a quintessential predator of the Indo-Pacific, a fish built for speed and power. Its body is a hydrodynamic torpedo of silver, often with a deep, iridescent blue sheen across its back and flanks that flashes like polished steel in clear water. The namesake feature is the brilliant electric-blue edging on its dorsal, anal, and tail fins, which can appear almost neon when the fish is excited. Adults typically range from 15 to 30 inches in length and 5 to 20 pounds, with true trophies pushing over 30 pounds. In hand, anglers will note its deeply forked tail, sharp scutes along the lateral line, and a robust, slightly compressed shape that hints at its explosive strength. The coloring can vary—juveniles may show dark vertical bars, while larger specimens often develop scattered black spots across their upper bodies, adding to their rugged, battle-worn appearance.
species.getBySlug
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"commonName": "Bluefin Trevally",
"scientificName": "Caranx melampygus",
"slug": "bluefin-trevally",
"category": "saltwater",
"aliases": [
"bluefin jack",
"omilu"
],
"description": "The Bluefin Trevally is a quintessential predator of the Indo-Pacific, a fish built for speed and power. Its body is a hydrodynamic torpedo of silver, often with a deep, iridescent blue sheen across its back and flanks that flashes like polished steel in clear water. The namesake feature is the brilliant electric-blue edging on its dorsal, anal, and tail fins, which can appear almost neon when the fish is excited. Adults typically range from 15 to 30 inches in length and 5 to 20 pounds, with true trophies pushing over 30 pounds. In hand, anglers will note its deeply forked tail, sharp scutes along the lateral line, and a robust, slightly compressed shape that hints at its explosive strength. The coloring can vary—juveniles may show dark vertical bars, while larger specimens often develop scattered black spots across their upper bodies, adding to their rugged, battle-worn appearance.",
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"caption": "The Bluefin Trevally is a quintessential predator of the Indo-Pacific, a fish built for speed and power.",
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"phases": [
{
"id": "fa8dec11-f8a8-48bd-b48c-31ee65ed5508",
"name": "Juvenile",
"slug": "juvenile",
"description": "Young Bluefin Trevally are inshore opportunists, schooling over sandy flats, shallow reefs, and mangrove edges. They are aggressive feeders, often chasing baitfish in packs, which makes them a thrilling target for light-tackle anglers looking for action.",
"appearance": "Juveniles typically measure 4–12 inches. The body is a bright, reflective silver with 5–7 prominent, dark vertical bars running from the dorsal area down the flanks, which can fade or intensify based on mood and environment. The dorsal, anal, and tail fins are pale to yellowish, with only a faint hint of the electric-blue edging that becomes vivid in adults. The body shape is already streamlined but proportionally deeper.",
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"habitat": "Shallow coastal waters, including protected bays, sandy flats, mangrove lagoons, and nearshore reefs in the Indo-Pacific.",
"anglersNote": "A great phase for light-tackle sight-fishing and introducing anglers to the species' power on appropriate gear.",
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{
"id": "84a2b618-77b6-4dfd-90f3-c2570238da05",
"name": "Adult",
"slug": "adult",
"description": "The mature Bluefin Trevally is a roaming apex predator of open water and outer reefs. It hunts alone or in small groups, using bursts of speed to ambush prey. This is the classic, powerful phase sought by sport anglers across the tropics.",
"appearance": "Adults range from 15–35+ inches. The body is a polished, hydrodynamic silver with a strong iridescent blue to blue-green sheen across the back and upper flanks. The dorsal, anal, and tail fins are vividly edged in brilliant electric blue, appearing almost neon when the fish is excited. Many specimens develop scattered, irregular black spots across the upper body and dorsal area. The body is robust, slightly compressed, with a deeply forked tail and sharp scutes along the lateral line.",
"triggers": "Growth and maturity, typically upon reaching a size where they transition to deeper, more open habitats.",
"habitat": "Clear outer reefs, drop-offs, channels, and open water around islands and offshore structures throughout the Indo-Pacific.",
"anglersNote": "The premier sportfishing phase—these are powerful, tackle-testing fish often targeted with poppers, jigs, and live bait.",
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}
],
"contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:31:22.828Z"
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