Of the large trevally family, the most well-known is the Giant Trevally.
It is found throughout the Indo-Pacific region and all across the Great Barrier Reef. They will grow up to 170 cm and weigh at least 35 kg. The giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis) is normally a silvery colour with occasional dark spots, but males may turn a darker silver or even black once they mature.
The Giant Trevally is an apex predator and is known to hunt in schools or individually. These incredible fish can reach speeds of up to 60km/hr making them the 6th fastest fish in the entire ocean! Giant Trevally are even known to eat birds, using this speed to jump from the water and can capture their prey from the sky!
GTs’, as they are often referred to, are important commercial and recreational game fish. Thousands of tonnes of giant trevally are caught each year in the Indo-Pacific region, even though some people consider them poor eating. This guy however was found off Hook Island’s Green Zone, a protected area within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park ensuring populations of these amazing creatures can thrive. The spillover of these populations into neighbouring zones means that both snorkelers and fishers can enjoy this beautiful species when visiting the Marine Park.
Although these iconic fish can be seen all over the GBR, if you want to get close and personal with a GT we recommend joining us on our Northern Exposure tour, where you get two snorkels one of which is often at the famous Manta Ray Bay where these guys love to hang out!
