Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

---

Common name: golden trevally

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: The golden trevally has a laterally-compressed oblong body with a narrow caudal peduncle and a forked caudal fin. The juveniles and small adults are bright yellow to silvery with 7-11 black bars on the body, usually alternating broad and narrow (Randall et al. 1997, Allen et al. 2003). Adults are silvery with faint or absent bars and several black blotches randomly on the body (Randall 2005). All the fins are yellow and the caudal fin tips are black (Randall et al. 1997). The pectoral fins are long and curved (Randall 2005). Lips are thick, protractile, and fleshy (Randall et al. 1997). Juveniles only have a few small teeth, while adults have no teeth (Randall 2005).

Size: 110 cm fork length (Randall et al. 1997)

Native Range: Golden trevally is native to the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean from East Africa to the Americas and from the Gulf of California to Colombia (Allen and Robertson 1994).

Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Golden trevally is a bottom feeder that uses its highly protractile mouth to root for crustaceans, molluscs, and small fishes on the sea floor (Randall et al. 1997, Allen and Robertson 1994). The species inhabits deep lagoons and seaward reefs from 1-50 m depth (Lieske and Myers 2004). Spawning peaks from April through May (Grandcourt et al. 2004). Juveniles school and are often seen ‘piloting’ with grouper, sharks, turtles, rays, jellyfish, and even sea snakes presumably for protection (Mahadevan and Nayer 1965, Lieske and Myers 2004).

Means of Introduction: Potential aquarium release.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: In the native range, adults are fished commercially and recreationally (Smith-Vaniz 1984). The brightly-colored juveniles are popular in the aquarium trade (Feng et al. 2005). The species is cultured in commercial marine fish farms in Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia and Malaysia (Feng et al. 2005).

References: (click for full references)

Allen, G.R., and Robertson, D.R. 1994. Fishes of the Tropical Eastern Pacific. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu.

Allen, G.R., Steene, R., Humann P., and DeLoach, N. 2003. Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. New World Publications, Inc., Jacksonville, FL.

Feng, F., Lo, L.C., Lin, G., Zhu, Z.Y., and Yue, G.H. 2005. Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in a marine food fish species, golden trevally Gnathanodon specious. Molecular Ecology Notes (5):760-761.

Grandcourt, E.M., Al Abdessalaam, T.Z., Francis, F., and Al Shamsi, A.T. 2004. Population biology and assessment of representatives of the family Carangidae Carangoides bajad and Gnathanodon speciosus (Forsskål, 1775), in the Southern Arabian Gulf. Fisheries Research 69: 331-341.

Lieske, E., and Myers, R.F. 2004. Coral Reef Guide: Red Sea to Gulf of Aden, South Oman. Harper Collins Publisher, London.

Mahadevan, S., and Nayar, K.N. 1965. Underwater ecological observations in Gulf of Mannar, off Tuticorin - I. Association between a fish (Gnathanodon) and a sea snake. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India 7(1):197-199.

Randall, J.E. 2005. Reef and Shore Fishes of the South Pacific: New Caledonia to Tahiti and the Pitcairn Islands. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu.

Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R., and Steene, R.C. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu.

Smith-Vaniz, W.F. 1984. Carangidae. In: Fischer, W., and Bianchi, G. (Eds.), FAO Species Identification Sheets for Fishery Purposes. Western Indian Ocean Fishing Area 51, vol. 1. FAO, Rome.

Other Resources:

Author: Brown, M.E., and Schofield, P.J.

Peer Review Date: 6/8/2020

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.