# Brownback trevally

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Species of fish

Brownback trevally Conservation status Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1] Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Carangiformes Suborder: Carangoidei Family: Carangidae Genus: Carangoides Species: C. praeustus Binomial name Carangoides praeustus (Anonymous [ E. T. Bennett ], 1830) Approximate range of the brownback trevally Synonyms[2] Caranx praeustus Anonymous [Bennett], 1830 Caranx ire Cuvier, 1833 Caranx melanostethos Day, 1865

The **brownback trevally** (*Carangoides praeustus*), also known as the **brown-backed trevally**, is a species of small [inshore](/source/Inshore) [marine](/source/Marine_(ocean)) [fish](/source/Fish) classified in the jack [family](/source/Family_(taxonomy)), [Carangidae](/source/Carangidae). The brownback trevally is distributed in two populations through the [tropical](/source/Tropical) waters of the [Indo-west Pacific](/source/Indo-pacific) region, ranging from the [Persian Gulf](/source/Persian_Gulf) east to [India](/source/India), [South East Asia](/source/South_East_Asia) and the [Indonesian](/source/Indonesia) islands. The species is distinguished from similar species by its completely scaled breast and black-tipped second [dorsal fin](/source/Dorsal_fin), and is known to reach a maximum length of 25 cm. The brownback trevally inhabits inshore waters including [bays](/source/Bay) and [estuaries](/source/Estuaries), where it preys on demersal [crustaceans](/source/Crustacean) and small fish. Other aspects of its biology are poorly known, and it is of minor importance to [fisheries](/source/Fisheries), occasionally caught by hook and line or [trawls](/source/Trawling). William Smith-Vaniz has recently suggested the two distinct populations may actually represent two distinct species.

## Taxonomy and naming

The brownback trevally is classified within the [genus](/source/Genus) *[Carangoides](/source/Carangoides)*, one of a number of groups of fish referred to as jacks and trevallies. *Carangoides* falls into the jack and horse mackerel family [Carangidae](/source/Carangidae), the Carangidae are part of the [order](/source/Order_(biology)) [Carangiformes](/source/Carangiformes).[3]

The species was first [scientifically described](/source/Scientific_classification) by an unknown author in a publication entitled 'Memoir of the Life and Public Services of Sir [Thomas Stamford Raffles](/source/Thomas_Stamford_Raffles)', in which a chapter was dedicated to fish specimens Raffles had collected. The author is usually presumed to be the English [zoologist](/source/Zoologist) [Edward Turner Bennett](/source/Edward_Turner_Bennett),[4] but due to a lack of evidence to support this, his name is placed in parentheses as required by the [ICZN](/source/International_Code_of_Zoological_Nomenclature) code. The species was here published under the name of *Caranx praeustus*, with the [holotype](/source/Holotype) collected from [Sumatra](/source/Sumatra), Indonesia. This classification was later changed to the genus *Carangoides* by [Pieter Bleeker](/source/Pieter_Bleeker), where it has remained.[4] Two [junior synonyms](/source/Junior_synonym) have been applied to the species, *Caranx ire* and *Caranx melanostethos*, which are invalid under ICZN rules. The species [specific epithet](/source/Specific_name_(zoology)) *praeustus* is [Latin](/source/Latin); meaning "burnt at the tip", in reference to its black dorsal lobe.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

In the last revision of the carangids of the Indo-Pacific, William Smith-Vaniz found that the two separate populations have differing [gill raker](/source/Gill_raker) counts and breast squamation, leading him to suggest the possibility of these being two separate species. If further study indicates these are two separate species, the name *Carangoides ire* should be reinstated, as [Georges Cuvier](/source/Georges_Cuvier) described a fish from this second western Indian Ocean population as *Caranx ire*.[5]

## Description

An anglers catch of brownback trevally

The brownback trevally is a relatively small species of carangid, growing to a maximum recorded length of 25 cm, but is much more common at lengths less than 16 cm.[6] The species has a similar body profile to other trevallies in the same genus, having an elongate, compressed form with the [dorsal](/source/Anatomical_terms_of_location#Dorsal_and_ventral) and [ventral](/source/Anatomical_terms_of_location#Dorsal_and_ventral) profiles approximately equal in [convexity](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/convex).[5] The [dorsal fin](/source/Dorsal_fin) is in two parts, the first consisting of 8 [spines](/source/Fish_anatomy#Spines_and_rays) while the second has 1 spine and 21 to 24 soft rays, with both dorsal fins of approximately equal height. The [anal fin](/source/Anal_fin) has two [anteriorly](/source/Anatomical_terms_of_location#Anterior_and_posterior) detached spines followed by 1 spine and 18 to 20 [soft rays](/source/Fish_anatomy#Spines_and_rays).[6] The [lateral line](/source/Lateral_line) has a moderate anterior arch, with the straight and [arched](/source/Arched) sections being nearly equal in length. The straight part of the lateral line has 4 to 12 scales followed by 23 to 34 scutes. The breast is nearly completely [scaled](/source/Scale_(zoology)), occasionally having a partially naked midventral area, which rarely extends the entire length of the breast.[5] In the western population, all individuals have this narrow naked midventral area extending the entire length of the breast. Both [jaws](/source/Jaw) have an irregular row of small conical teeth, with the upper jaw also having a narrow band of teeth anteriorly. The [gill raker](/source/Gill_raker) count also varies between the two populations, with the eastern population having 32 to 37 in total, while the western population has 40 to 47. There are 24 [vertebrae](/source/Vertebrae).[5]

The brownback trevally is silvery blue-grey dorsally, shading to silvery underneath, sometimes with a broad [brassy](/source/Brass) midlateral zone. There is no dark [opercular](/source/Operculum_(fish)) spot. The distal area of the second dorsal fin lobe is strongly black, usually with a white tip while the remainder of the fin is dusky. The [caudal fin](/source/Caudal_fin) is yellow and all other fins are whitish to [hyaline](/source/Hyaline).[7]

## Distribution and habitat

The brownback trevally is distributed in two distinct [populations](/source/Population_(biology)) in the [tropical](/source/Tropical) waters of the [Indo-west pacific](/source/Indo-Pacific) region.[5] The western population extends from the waters of [Iran](/source/Iran) in the [Persian Gulf](/source/Persian_Gulf) to the [Bay of Bengal](/source/Bay_of_Bengal) off [Bangladesh](/source/Bangladesh), with records also from the [Maldives](/source/Maldives) and [Sri Lanka](/source/Sri_Lanka). The eastern population inhabits a wide region in the [South East Asian](/source/South_East_Asia) and [Indonesian](/source/Indonesia) region, from the [Gulf of Thailand](/source/Gulf_of_Thailand) to [Borneo](/source/Borneo), [Philippines](/source/Philippines) and Indonesia.[2]

The brownback trevally is a [coastal](/source/Coastal) species, inhabiting both rocky and [coral reefs](/source/Coral_reef),[7] as well as [bay](/source/Bay) and [estuary](/source/Estuary) environments.[8] The species prefers calm, sheltered waters.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Biology and fishery

The biology of the brownback trevally is known only from a single research study on its diet, and observational evidence recorded by divers. The study was located in the [South China Sea](/source/South_China_Sea), and focused on the diets of two species of [sillaginids](/source/Sillaginidae), with investigations into the [trophic](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Special:Search/trophic) relationships of fish in the region. It was found the brownback trevally primarily consumes [shrimps](/source/Shrimp), with lesser amounts of [calanoid](/source/Calanoid) [copepods](/source/Copepod) and small fish also taken.[9] Observations indicate the fish form schools of up to 13 fish, which patrol reefs, and are inquisitive of divers.[7] In [Hong Kong](/source/Hong_Kong) waters, the fish is present from April to October, with a darkening of the fishes colour appearing to indicate [spawning](/source/Spawn_(biology)) occurs in September at this locality.[7]

The brownback trevally is of minor importance to fisheries throughout its range, often taken as bycatch in various trawling and hook and line operations. It is generally not distinguished from other trevally species, and no catch statistics are reported. It is also often taken by small artisanal fisheries by various inshore fish traps.[5]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-iucn_status_20_November_2021_1-0)** Smith-Vaniz, W.F.; Carpenter, K.E.; Borsa, P.; Obota, C.; Jiddawi, N.; Yahya, S. (2018). ["*Carangoides praeustus*"](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/20429981/46664084). *[IUCN Red List of Threatened Species](/source/IUCN_Red_List)*. **2018** e.T20429981A46664084. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T20429981A46664084.en](https://doi.org/10.2305%2FIUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T20429981A46664084.en). Retrieved 20 November 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-fishbase_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-fishbase_2-1) [Froese, Rainer](/source/Rainer_Froese); [Pauly, Daniel](/source/Daniel_Pauly) (eds.). ["*Carangoides praeustus*"](https://www.fishbase.org/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?genusname=Carangoides&speciesname=praeustus). *[FishBase](/source/FishBase)*. August 2019 version.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Nelson5_3-0)** J. S. Nelson; T. C. Grande; M. V. H. Wilson (2016). [*Fishes of the World*](https://web.archive.org/web/20190408194051/https://sites.google.com/site/fotw5th/) (5th ed.). Wiley. pp. 380–387. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-118-34233-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-118-34233-6). Archived from [the original](https://sites.google.com/site/fotw5th/) on 2019-04-08. Retrieved 2019-11-24.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-London_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-London_4-1) Ludwig, Albert Carl; Gotthilf Günther (1860). *Catalogue of the Fishes in the British Museum*. British Museum (Natural History). Dept. of Zoology. p. 238.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FAO_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FAO_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FAO_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FAO_5-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-FAO_5-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-FAO_5-5) Carpenter, Kent E.; Volker H. Niem, eds. (2001). [*FAO species identification guide for fishery purposes. The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 4: Bony fishes part 2 (Mugilidae to Carangidae)*](ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/x2400e/x2400e52.pdf) (PDF). Rome: FAO. p. 2694. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [92-5-104587-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/92-5-104587-9).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Oman_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Oman_6-1) Randall, John E. (1995). *Coastal Fishes of Oman*. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. p. 183. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-8248-1808-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8248-1808-3).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-HK_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-HK_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-HK_7-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-HK_7-3) Sadovy, Yvonne; Andrew S. Cornish (2001). [*Reef Fishes of Hong Kong*](https://archive.org/details/reeffisheshongko00sado). Hong Kong University Press. pp. [321](https://archive.org/details/reeffisheshongko00sado/page/n304). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-962-209-480-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-962-209-480-2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Hajisamae, Sukree; P. Yeesin; S. Chaimongkol (2006). "Habitat utilization by fishes in a shallow, semi-enclosed estuarine bay in southern Gulf of Thailand". *[Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science](/source/Estuarine%2C_Coastal_and_Shelf_Science)*. **68** (3–4): 647–655. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.ecss.2006.03.020](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.ecss.2006.03.020).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Hajisamae_9-0)** Hajisamae, Sukree; Pun Yeesin; Sakri Ibrahim (August 2006). "Feeding ecology of two sillaginid fishes and trophic interrelations with other co-existing species in the southern part of South China Sea". *Environmental Biology of Fishes*. **76** (2–4): 167–176. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/s10641-006-9018-3](https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10641-006-9018-3).

## External links

- [Brownback trevally at Fishbase](http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=1911)

- [Factsheet and picture](https://web.archive.org/web/20110716183310/http://research.kahaku.go.jp/zoology/Fishes_of_Libong/data/p033_01b.html)

Taxon identifiers Carangoides praeustus Wikidata: Q1860479 Wikispecies: Carangoides praeustus BOLD: 122787 CoL: R2JT FishBase: 1911 GBIF: 5210533 iNaturalist: 609908 IRMNG: 11378814 ITIS: 641949 IUCN: 20429981 NCBI: 626210 OBIS: 276244 Open Tree of Life: 1041402 WoRMS: 276244 Caranx praeustus Wikidata: Q106413340 CoL: R2SK GBIF: 2390908 IRMNG: 10153970 ITIS: 168664 WoRMS: 302425

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Brownback trevally](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownback_trevally) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownback_trevally?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.