Ray-finned Fishes of Zihuatanejo

CLASS ACTINOPTERYGII

-Jacks, Flounders, Barracudas, and Allies (Order Carangiformes)

-Jacks, Remoras, and Allies (Suborder Carangoidei)

-Jacks (Family Carangidae)

-Subfamily Caranginae

-Kingfishes (Genus Caranx)

-Pacific Crevalle Jack (Caranx sexfasciatus)

The Bigeye Trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus), also known as the Bigeye Jack, is a striking and widely distributed member of the family Carangidae. Known for its schooling behavior and predatory prowess. Juveniles prefer shallow, sheltered waters such as bays and estuaries. Adults are often found in large schools in open water or near reef drop-offs.

Diet

Caranx sexfasciatus is a carnivorous predator that feeds mainly on small fishes and crustaceans. Adults commonly leave daytime schools at night to feed individually.

Range

The Bigeye Trevally has a very broad Indo-Pacific distribution. In the eastern Pacific it ranges from southern California and the southern Gulf of California southward to Peru.
It occurs along the Pacific coast of Mexico, including the Zihuatanejo region.

Habitat

Adults are associated with coastal and offshore reefs, reef edges, deep lagoons and channels. They often form slow-moving schools around reef passes or outside reefs during the day. Juveniles may enter estuaries and brackish water.

Description

The Bigeye Trevally has an elongated, laterally compressed body and a conspicuously large eye. Adults are iridescent blue-green above, fading to silvery white below, with a small blackish spot near the upper edge of the gill opening.
The dorsal fin has a long, dark front lobe with a white tip, while the anal and caudal fins are generally yellowish. The straight portion of the lateral line carries about 27–36 strong scutes.
It is a large jack, reaching approximately 120 cm in length and up to about 18 kg. Juveniles are more yellowish or brassy and have several dark vertical bars.