# Coastal trevally

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Species of fish

Coastal 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. coeruleopinnatus Binomial name Carangoides coeruleopinnatus (Rüppell, 1830) Approximate range of the coastal trevally Synonyms[2] Carangoides coeruleopinnatus (Rüppell, 1830) Caranx coeruleopinnatus Rüppell, 1830 Carangoides caeruleopinnatus (Rüppell, 1830) Citula coeruleopinnata (Rüppell, 1830) Caranx altissimus Jordan & Seale, 1905 Carangoides altissimus (Jordan & Seale, 1905) Caranx formosanus Jordan & Snyder, 1908 Caranx uii Wakiya, 1924 Carangoides uii (Wakiya, 1924) Citula diversa Whitley, 1940

The **coastal trevally** (***Carangoides coeruleopinnatus***), also known as the **onion trevally**, **Japanese trevally** or **bluefin kingfish**, is a [species](/source/Species) of inshore [marine](/source/Marine_(ocean)) [fish](/source/Fish) in the jack [family](/source/Family_(taxonomy)) [Carangidae](/source/Carangidae). The species is distributed throughout the [tropical](/source/Tropical) and subtropical waters of the [Indian](/source/Indian_Ocean) and west [Pacific Oceans](/source/Pacific_Ocean), from [South Africa](/source/South_Africa) in the west to [Japan](/source/Japan) and [New Caledonia](/source/New_Caledonia) in the east, reaching as far south as [Australia](/source/Australia). The species is found on deep [coastal](/source/Coastal) [reefs](/source/Reef), both in schools and as solitary individuals, where they prey on small midwater organisms including [crustaceans](/source/Crustacean), small fish and [cephalopods](/source/Cephalopod). The species is taken as bycatch in a number of [fisheries](/source/Fisheries) throughout its range by a number of fishing methods and is of little commercial value, but is considered to be a good [table fish](/source/Fish_(food)). A mistype in the original volume in which [Eduard Rüppell](/source/Eduard_R%C3%BCppell) named the species led to the combination *Carangoides caeruleopinnatus*, which has incorrectly spread through the literature.

## Taxonomy and naming

The coastal trevally is formally classified within the [genus](/source/Genus) *[Carangoides](/source/Carangoides)*, one of a number of groups of fish referred to as jacks and trevallies. *Carangoides* is further classified in the 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) and named by the German [naturalist](/source/Naturalist) [Eduard Rüppell](/source/Eduard_R%C3%BCppell) in 1830 based on a specimen collected from the waters of the [Red Sea](/source/Red_Sea) off [Saudi Arabia](/source/Saudi_Arabia), which was designated to be the [holotype](/source/Holotype). He named the new species *Caranx coeruleopinnatus*, with the species name translating to 'blue-finned', although the species shows no such colouration, and may be the result of some confusion by the author.[4] In the volume in which the species is described, an apparent mistype produces the name *Caranx caeruleopinnatus*, which has also widely, albeit incorrectly, entered the [scientific literature](/source/Scientific_literature).[5] The species was transferred initially to the genus *Citula*, a now defunct genus of jacks, before moving to its current status in *Carangoides*. The species has also been independently renamed five times; the first as *Carangoides ophthalmotaenia* by [Pieter Bleeker](/source/Pieter_Bleeker) in 1852 and most recently as *Citula diversa* by [Gilbert Whitley](/source/Gilbert_Whitley) in 1940. In 1924, a [juvenile](/source/Juvenile_(organism)) specimen was named *Caranx uii* by Yojiro Wakiya, a name which became widespread throughout the literature, and was commonly known as the 'Japanese trevally', before being sunk into *C. coeruleopinnatus* in 1986 by William Smith-Vaniz.[5]

The species is [commonly known](/source/Common_name) as the 'coastal trevally' or 'coastal kingfish', with other commonly applied English names including 'onion trevally', 'Japanese trevally', 'bluefin kingfish', 'shortfin kingfish', and 'diverse trevally'.[6]

## Description

*Carangoides coeruleopinnatus*

The coastal trevally is similar in body to most other jacks, having a nearly [ovate](/source/Glossary_of_ichthyology#O), strongly compressed body, with the [dorsal](/source/Anatomical_terms_of_location#Dorsal_and_ventral) profile more [convex](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/convex) than the [ventral](/source/Anatomical_terms_of_location#Dorsal_and_ventral) profile, with a moderately curved [nape](/source/Nape).[7] It is moderately large, growing to a recorded maximum of 40 cm, although more commonly seen at around 25 cm.[6] The [dorsal fin](/source/Dorsal_fin) is divided into two distinct sections, the first consisting of 8 [spines](/source/Fish_anatomy#Spines_and_rays), with the second consisting of a single spine followed by 20 to 23 [soft rays](/source/Fish_anatomy#Spines_and_rays).[8] The lobe of the second dorsal fin is filamentous in juveniles, becoming shorter with age until at the adult stage, the lobe is shorter than the head length and the [anal fin](/source/Anal_fin) lobe. The anal fin consists of 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine anterior to 16 to 20 soft rays. The [pelvic fin](/source/Pelvic_fin) contains a single spine and 18 to 20 soft rays.[9] The [lateral line](/source/Lateral_line) has a moderate [anterior](/source/Anatomical_terms_of_location#Anterior_and_posterior) arch, with the junction of the curved and straight section below the 12th to 14th dorsal ray. The straight section of the lateral line contains 16 to 20 [scutes](/source/Scute), with the lateral line having 31 to 50 combined [scales](/source/Scale_(zoology)) and scutes over its entire length.[7] The breast is devoid of scales ventrally to behind the pelvic fin origin and up to the [pectoral fin](/source/Pectoral_fin) base, although in rare cases this is interrupted by a lateral band of scales. Both jaws contain bands of [villiform](/source/Ichthyology_terms#V) teeth, with the bands becoming wider anteriorly. There are a total of 21 to 27 [gill rakers](/source/Gill_raker) and 24 [vertebrae](/source/Vertebrae).[7]

In life, the coastal trevally is bluish green above, fading to a silvery grey on the underside, with the sides having many small yellow spots. There is a small dark blotch on the upper margin of the [opercle](/source/Operculum_(fish)). The dorsal, anal and caudal fins are dusky, although the caudal is often slightly yellow, while the pectoral fins are pale yellow and the pelvic fins are [hyaline](/source/Hyaline) to grey.[8] Juveniles have dark vertical bands which fade as the fish become adults, and become indistinct at larger sizes.

## Distribution and habitat

An anglers catch of coastal trevally

The coastal trevally is distributed broadly throughout the [tropical](/source/Tropical) and subtropical waters of the [Indian](/source/Indian_Ocean) and west [Pacific Oceans](/source/Pacific_Ocean).[7] Its westernmost limit is the east coast of Africa, from [South Africa](/source/South_Africa) and [Madagascar](/source/Madagascar) north to the [Red Sea](/source/Red_Sea) and the [Persian Gulf](/source/Persian_Gulf), with the range extending east along the coast of [India](/source/India), including [Sri Lanka](/source/Sri_Lanka). The species is distributed across the Asian coastline including [China](/source/China) and [Thailand](/source/Thailand), and throughout the [South East Asian](/source/South_East_Asia) and [Indonesian](/source/Indonesia) island chains extending to northern [Australia](/source/Australia). In the Pacific Ocean, its range extends north to [Taiwan](/source/Taiwan) and [Japan](/source/Japan), and east to a number of small island groups, including [Tonga](/source/Tonga), [Samoa](/source/Samoa) and [New Caledonia](/source/New_Caledonia).[6]

Coastal trevally are rarely found close to shore, with adults inhabiting deep [coastal](/source/Coastal) [reef](/source/Reef) systems,[7] and the species is also thought to live a [pelagic](/source/Pelagic) lifestyle.[10] Juveniles have been recorded in [Natal](/source/Natal_(region)) [estuaries](/source/Estuaries),[11] and in shallow bays in northern Australia,[12] but the movements of the species are poorly understood. Like other species of jack, the coastal trevally is attracted to floating devices, with the fish occasionally caught by anglers around specially built FADs (fish attracting devices).[13]

## Biology and fishery

The coastal trevally is poorly studied, and as such there is little information regarding its biology and [ecology](/source/Ecology). The species is known to occur both in small [shoals](/source/Shoal) and individually, and is a [planktonivorous](/source/Plankton) fish, consuming small midwater organisms including [krill](/source/Krill), [mantis shrimp](/source/Mantis_shrimp), small fish and [squid](/source/Squid).[14] The mouth of the coastal trevally is soft, and the teeth fairly weak, which prevents the capture of larger prey items. It is a rather sluggish fish in comparison to other members of the Carangidae.[14] Nothing is known of reproduction in the species, and its movements are also unknown.

The coastal trevally is of little or no importance to most [fisheries](/source/Fisheries) throughout its range, occasionally taken as [bycatch](/source/Bycatch) in finfish and [prawn](/source/Prawn) operations,[5] using hook and line, [gill nets](/source/Gill_net) and other various types of trap.[7] Due to its deep reef nature, the species is of little interest to [anglers](/source/Angling), and is rarely taken by them. The coastal trevally is considered to be a good [table fish](/source/Table_fish), however, and it has limited commercial value in [Asia](/source/Asia).[14]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-iucn_1-0)** Smith-Vaniz, W.F. & Williams, I. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. ["*Carangoides coeruleopinnatus*"](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/20429419/115371914). *[IUCN Red List of Threatened Species](/source/IUCN_Red_List)*. **2016** e.T20429419A115371914. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T20429419A46664054.en](https://doi.org/10.2305%2FIUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T20429419A46664054.en). Retrieved 19 February 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Fishbase_2-0)** [Froese, Rainer](/source/Rainer_Froese); [Pauly, Daniel](/source/Daniel_Pauly) (eds.). ["*Carangoides coeruleopunctatus*"](https://www.fishbase.org/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?genusname=Carangoides&speciesname=coeruleopunctatus). *[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. **[^](#cite_ref-Zoocat_4-0)** Hosese, D.F.; Bray, D.J.; Paxton, J.R.; Alen, G.R. (2007). *Zoological Catalogue of Australia Vol. 35 (2) Fishes*. Sydney: CSIRO. p. 1150. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-643-09334-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-643-09334-8).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Gunn_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Gunn_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Gunn_5-2) Gunn, John S. (1990). ["A revision of selected genera of the family Carangidae (Pisces) from Australian waters"](https://doi.org/10.3853%2Fj.0812-7387.12.1990.92). *Records of the Australian Museum Supplement*. **12**: 1–78. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.3853/j.0812-7387.12.1990.92](https://doi.org/10.3853%2Fj.0812-7387.12.1990.92).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-fishbase_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-fishbase_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-fishbase_6-2) [Froese, Rainer](/source/Rainer_Froese); [Pauly, Daniel](/source/Daniel_Pauly) (eds.). ["*Carangoides coeruleopinnatus*"](https://www.fishbase.org/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?genusname=Carangoides&speciesname=coeruleopinnatus). *[FishBase](/source/FishBase)*. September 2008 version.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FAO_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FAO_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FAO_7-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FAO_7-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-FAO_7-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-FAO_7-5) 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: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 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-Barrier_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Barrier_8-1) Randall, John Ernest; Roger C. Steene; Gerald R. Allen (1997). *Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea*. University of Hawaii Press. p. 161. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-8248-1895-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8248-1895-4).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Lin1999_9-0)** Lin, Pai-Lei; Shao, Kwang-Tsao (17 April 1999). ["A Review of the Carangid Fishes (Family Carangidae) From Taiwan with Descriptions of Four New Records"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120229173915/http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=10055944). *Zoological Studies*. **38** (1): 33–68. Archived from [the original](http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=10055944) on 29 February 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** McGrouther, M. (2005). ["Onion Trevally, Carangoides caeruleopinnatus (Rüppell, 1830)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080906181208/http://www.amonline.net.au//fishes/fishfacts/fish/ccaeruleo.htm). *Find a Fish*. Australian Museum Online. Archived from [the original](http://www.amonline.net.au/FISHES/fishfacts/fish/ccaeruleo.htm) on 2008-09-06. Retrieved 2008-09-20.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Blaber, S.J.M.; Cyrus, D.P. (1983). "The biology of Carangidae (Teleostei) in Natal estuaries". *Journal of Fish Biology*. **22** (2): 173–188. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1111/j.1095-8649.1983.tb04738.x](https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.1095-8649.1983.tb04738.x).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Baker, R.; Sheppard, R. (2006). [*Fisheries resources of Albatross Bay, Gulf of Carpentaria*](https://web.archive.org/web/20190828141220/http://www.seagrasswatch.org/Info_centre/Publications/Fisheries_Resources_of_Albatross_Bay.pdf) (PDF). Information Series: QI06062. Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. pp. 1–93. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0727-6273](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0727-6273). Archived from [the original](http://www.seagrasswatch.org/Info_centre/Publications/Fisheries_Resources_of_Albatross_Bay.pdf) (PDF) on 2019-08-28. Retrieved 2008-09-20.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Morton, B., ed. (1998). *The Marine Biology of the South China Sea III: Proceedings of the Third International Conference on the Marine Biology of the South China Sea: Hong Kong, 28 October–1 November 1996*. Hong Kong University Press. p. 484. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [962-209-461-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/962-209-461-9).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-SAfrica_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-SAfrica_14-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-SAfrica_14-2) van der Elst, Rudy; Peter Borchert (1994). *A Guide to the Common Sea Fishes of Southern Africa*. New Holland Publishers. p. 142. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-86825-394-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-86825-394-5).

## External links

- [Coastal trevally at Fishbase](http://www.fishbase.org/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=1924)

- [Australian Museum factsheet](https://web.archive.org/web/20080906181208/http://www.amonline.net.au//fishes/fishfacts/fish/ccaeruleo.htm)

- [Encyclopedia of Life Page](https://web.archive.org/web/20081122042638/http://www.eol.org/taxa/17061196)

Taxon identifiers Carangoides coeruleopinnatus Wikidata: Q3643117 Wikispecies: Carangoides coeruleopinnatus BOLD: 34204 CoL: R2HS FishBase: 1924 GBIF: 5210547 iNaturalist: 450427 IRMNG: 11053679 ITIS: 621127 IUCN: 20429419 NCBI: 990565 Observation.org: 790857 OBIS: 276241 Open Tree of Life: 515520 TaiCOL: t0030134 WoRMS: 276241 Caranx coeruleopinnatus Wikidata: Q15233341 CoL: R2NH GBIF: 2390951 IRMNG: 10898071 ITIS: 168633 WoRMS: 302327

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Coastal trevally](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coastal_trevally) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coastal_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.