# Longfin trevally

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Longfin_trevally
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Longfin_trevally.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longfin_trevally
> Source revision: 1354737813
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Species of fish

Longfin trevally Conservation status Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1] Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Carangiformes Suborder: Carangoidei Family: Carangidae Genus: Atropus Species: A. armatus Binomial name Atropus armatus (Rüppell, 1830) Approximate range of the longfin trevally Synonyms Sciaena armata Forsskål, 1775 Caranx armatus (Forsskål, 1775) Citula armata (Forsskål, 1775) Citula armatus (Forsskål, 1775) Citula armata Rüppell, 1830 Caranx armatus (Rüppell, 1830) Carangoides armatus (Rüppell, 1830) Caranx ciliaris Cuvier, 1833 Citula ciliaria Rüppell, 1830 Caranx schlegeli Wayima, 1924 Citula pescadorensis Oshima, 1924 Caranx pescadorensis (Oshima, 1924)

The **longfin trevally** (***Atropus armatus***), also known as the **longfin kingfish**, **longfin cavalla** or **armed trevally**, is a [species](/source/Species) of [inshore](/source/Inshore) [marine](/source/Marine_(ocean)) [fish](/source/Fish) in the jack [family](/source/Family_(taxonomy)), [Carangidae](/source/Carangidae). The species is common in [tropical](/source/Tropical) to subtropical waters of the [Indo-Pacific](/source/Indo-Pacific), ranging from [South Africa](/source/South_Africa) in the west to [Japan](/source/Japan) in the east, typically inhabiting inshore [reefs](/source/Reef) and bays. The species is easily distinguished by its elongate [dorsal](/source/Dorsal_fin) and [anal fin](/source/Anal_fin) lobes and filamentous dorsal rays, as well as its scaleless breast. Longfin trevally are pelagic [predators](/source/Predator), taking a variety of small fish, [cephalopods](/source/Cephalopod) and [crustaceans](/source/Crustacean), and reach sexual maturity at around 21 cm. The species has a maximum known length of 57 cm and weight of 3.5 kg. The longfin trevally has a very complex [taxonomic history](/source/Taxonomy_(biology)) which is closely intertwined with another currently valid species, *Carangoides ciliarius*, which may yet prove to be synonymous. Longfin trevally are of minor importance to [fisheries](/source/Fisheries) throughout their range and are considered good [table fish](/source/Fish_(food)), and are occasionally taken by [anglers](/source/Angling).

## Taxonomy and naming

The longfin trevally is classified within the genus *[Carangoides](/source/Carangoides)*, a group of fish commonly called 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).[2]

The species was first [scientifically described](/source/Scientific_classification) by the [German](/source/Germany) [naturalist](/source/Naturalist) [Eduard Rüppell](/source/Eduard_R%C3%BCppell) in 1830, based on a specimen taken from the [Red Sea](/source/Red_Sea), which was designated to be the [holotype](/source/Holotype).[3] Rüppell named the species *Citula armata*, placing his new species in what was at the time a valid jack genus created by [Georges Cuvier](/source/Georges_Cuvier) in 1816. *Citula* was later synonymised with *[Pseudocaranx](/source/Pseudocaranx)*, and all its members were re-examined and placed in a number of different jack genera. *C. armata* became *Caranx armatus*, also masculinising the species name. Then the species was placed in *Carangoides* after re-examinations of its [anatomy](/source/Anatomy) by a number of authors as part of a larger investigation into the [taxonomy](/source/Taxonomy_(biology)) of the carangid fishes.[4] Finally, the species was placed into *[Atropus](/source/Atropus)* in 2022.[5] The species has been described independently under three different names, with Cuvier applying *Caranx ciliaris* to the species, [Masamitsu Ōshima](/source/Masamitsu_%C5%8Cshima) applying *Citula pescadorensis* and Yojiro Wakiya *Caranx schlegeli*.[6] These are all considered to be invalid [junior synonyms](/source/Junior_synonym) under [ICZN](/source/International_Code_of_Zoological_Nomenclature) rules.

The complexities of this naming process has led to extensive confusion between this species, originally described as *Citula armata*, and a very closely related species, *Sciaena armata*, now probably a synonym of *[Carangoides ciliarius](/source/Carangoides_ciliarius)*. *Sciaena armata*, originally named by [Peter Forsskål](/source/Peter_Forssk%C3%A5l) in 1775, has never been definitively identified,[7] but in the same volume he described *C. armatus* in, Rüppell created *Citula ciliaria*. He was unsure if this species was the same fish Forsskål described as *S. armatus*, and subsequent reviews of this species complex tend to keep Rüppell as the author. *Carangoides armatus* and *Carangoides ciliarius* were considered synonymous in a 1975 review of the species,[7] however some authorities still consider them both to be valid species.[8][9]

## Description

The male longfin trevally has trailing dorsal and anal fin filaments

The longfin trevally has a similar body profile to most other jacks, having a deep, strongly [compressed](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compression_(zoology)&action=edit&redlink=1) body. It is a medium-sized fish, growing to a maximum known length of 57 cm, and at least 3.5 [kg](/source/Kilogram) in weight.[10] The profile of the head is very steep from the mouth to the [nape](/source/Nape), especially in adults. There is a weak [adipose eyelid](/source/Adipose_eyelid) covering the [eye](/source/Eye), which is about equal to or smaller than the snout length.[11] Both [jaws](/source/Jaw) are lined with [villiform](/source/Ichthyology_terms#V) [teeth](/source/Teeth), although larger specimens have small conical teeth in bands. The [gill rakers](/source/Gill_raker) are one of the diagnostic features of the species, having 30 to 37 rakers on the first arch.[4] The [dorsal fin](/source/Dorsal_fin) is in two parts, the first consisting of 13 [spines](/source/Fish_anatomy#Spines_and_rays) and the second of 1 spine followed by 19 to 22 [soft rays](/source/Fish_anatomy#Spines_and_rays).[12] The second dorsal fin is [sexually dimorphic](/source/Sexual_dimorphism), with mature males longer than 21 cm having 3 to 12 of the central soft rays extended

into thin filaments of varying lengths. The [anal fin](/source/Anal_fin) has 2 [anteriorly](/source/Anatomical_terms_of_location#Anterior_and_posterior) detached spines followed by a single spine connected to 16 to 18 soft rays. The lobes of both the anal and dorsal fin are highly extended, giving the species its name. The anal fins also show extension into filaments to a lesser degree.[11] The [pectoral fins](/source/Pectoral_fin) are falcate to subfalcate with 18–20 rays, while the [caudal fin](/source/Caudal_fin) is deeply forked with bilateral, paired caudal keels. The [pelvic fins](/source/Pelvic_fin) are short, and fit in fairly pronounced [ventral](/source/Anatomical_terms_of_location#Dorsal_and_ventral) grooves, similar to that of *[Atropus atropos](/source/Atropus_atropos)* The [lateral line](/source/Lateral_line) is moderately arched anteriorly, with the curved section containing 57 to 77 [scales](/source/Scale_(zoology)), while the straight section contains 25 to 43 elements, 11 to 24 of which are weak [scutes](/source/Scute).[4] Another of the diagnostic traits of the longfin trevally is the scaleless breast, extending from the origin of the pelvic fins to the base of the pectoral fin and anteriorly to the gill cover.[12] There are 24 [vertebrae](/source/Vertebrae) in the species.

The longfin trevally's colour is variable with age, although maintains a general colouration of greyish blue above, fading to a whitish silver near the [belly](/source/Abdomen) region. Younger individuals show a more silver blue [dorsally](/source/Anatomical_terms_of_location#Dorsal_and_ventral), and have six dark crossbars visible on the body past the pectoral fin base.[4] There is a distinct blackish blotch on the upper margin of the [operculum](/source/Operculum_(fish)).[11] The first dorsal fin is pale grey to black, while the second dorsal fin and anal fin are both [hyaline](/source/Hyaline) to black. The pectorals are dusty hyaline, the pelvics are usually black with a white leading edge and the caudal fin is also hyaline, with a dusty trailing edge.[4]

## Distribution and habitat

The longfin trevally inhabits [tropical](/source/Tropical) to [subtropical](/source/Subtropical) waters of the [Indian](/source/Indian_Ocean) and west [Pacific Oceans](/source/Pacific_Ocean). It is distributed from [East London, South Africa](/source/East_London%2C_South_Africa) in the west, north to [Madagascar](/source/Madagascar), [eastern Africa](/source/Eastern_Africa), [India](/source/India), [Thailand](/source/Thailand), [Hong Kong](/source/Hong_Kong), [Taiwan](/source/Taiwan) and to [Japan](/source/Japan) in the east.[8] The species is also common in the [Red Sea](/source/Red_Sea) and the [Gulf of Oman](/source/Gulf_of_Oman).[10]

The species inhabits [inshore](/source/Inshore) [coastal](/source/Coastal) waters rarely venturing offshore, and is [pelagic](/source/Pelagic), inhabiting both the upper and lower sections of the water column. Longfin trevally are commonly found on rocky and [coral](/source/Coral) coastlines, often inhabiting [reef](/source/Reef) complexes, with solitary individuals or groups of larger fish patrolling the edges of reefs.[13] They are also found in shallow, sandy [bays](/source/Bay) and [lagoons](/source/Lagoon), with juveniles known to enter and use [estuaries](/source/Estuaries) as [nursery areas](/source/Nursery_area).[13]

## Biology and fishery

The longfin trevally is a [predatory](/source/Predator) fish, known to take a variety of small fishes, [cephalopods](/source/Cephalopod) including [squid](/source/Squid), and [crustaceans](/source/Crustacean) such as [crabs](/source/Crab) and [mantis shrimp](/source/Mantis_shrimp). The species' long gill rakers also help to filter minute organisms from the seawater, adding to the fish's diet.[13] Longfin trevallies reach [sexual maturity](/source/Sexual_maturity) at 21 to 22 cm in length. There has been no research into their [spawning](/source/Spawn_(biology)) patterns, although it is known juveniles inhabit shallow bays and occasionally estuaries.[11]

Longfin trevally are generally too rare to be a viable target for commercial [fisheries](/source/Fisheries), although they are occasionally landed and sold fresh locally. The species is considered good table fare, although it is highly esteemed in Thailand and [Cambodia](/source/Cambodia), where the filets are steamed or fried.[14] Small quantities are taken by [recreational fishermen](/source/Angling) in South Africa, often from boats using fish baits on hook and line gear or lures, as well as by spear.[13]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-iucn_status_19_November_2021_1-0)** Smith-Vaniz, W.F.; Borsa, P.; Carpenter, K.E.; Yahya, S.; Obota, C.; Jiddawi, N. (2018). ["*Carangoides armatus*"](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/20257156/46664044). *[IUCN Red List of Threatened Species](/source/IUCN_Red_List)*. **2018** e.T20257156A46664044. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T20257156A46664044.en](https://doi.org/10.2305%2FIUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T20257156A46664044.en). Retrieved 19 November 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Nelson5_2-0)** Nelson, Joseph S.; Grande, Terry C.; Wilson, Mark V. H. (2016). [*Fishes of the World*](https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=E-MLDAAAQBAJ&pg=PP1) (5th ed.). Hoboken: John Wiley and Sons. pp. 380–387. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1002/9781119174844](https://doi.org/10.1002%2F9781119174844). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-118-34233-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-118-34233-6).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Zoocat_3-0)** 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-Williams_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Williams_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Williams_4-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Williams_4-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Williams_4-4) Williams, F.; Heemstra, P. C.; Shameem (1980). "Notes on Indo-Pacific carangid fishes of the genus *Carangoides* Bleeker II. The *Carangoides armatus* group". *Bulletin of Marine Science*. **30** (1): 13–20.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Kimura, S.; Takeuchi, S.; Yadome, T. (2022). "Generic revision of the species formerly belonging to the genus *Carangoides* and its related genera (Carangiformes: Carangidae)". *Ichthyological Research*. **69** (4): 433–487. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/s10228-021-00850-1](https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10228-021-00850-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Nichols, J. T. (1940). "On *Citula ciliaria* Rüppell". *Copeia*. **1940** (3). American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists: 201–202. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2307/1437985](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F1437985). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [1437985](https://www.jstor.org/stable/1437985).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-smith_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-smith_7-1) Smith, Margaret M. (1973). "Identity of *Caranx armatus* (Pisces: Carangidae)". *Copeia*. **1973** (2). American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists: 352–355. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2307/1442982](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F1442982). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [1442982](https://www.jstor.org/stable/1442982).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-fishbase_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-fishbase_8-1) [Froese, Rainer](/source/Rainer_Froese); [Pauly, Daniel](/source/Daniel_Pauly) (eds.). ["*Carangoides armatus*"](https://www.fishbase.org/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?genusname=Carangoides&speciesname=armatus). *[FishBase](/source/FishBase)*. January 2008 version.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [Froese, Rainer](/source/Rainer_Froese); [Pauly, Daniel](/source/Daniel_Pauly) (eds.). ["*Carangoides ciliarius*"](https://www.fishbase.org/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?genusname=Carangoides&speciesname=ciliarius). *[FishBase](/source/FishBase)*. January 2008 version.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Oman_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Oman_10-1) 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-FAO_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FAO_11-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FAO_11-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FAO_11-3) 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 5. Bony fishes part 3 (Menidae to Pomacentridae)*](ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/y4160e/y4160e00.pdf) (PDF). Rome: FAO. p. 2684. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [92-5-104587-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/92-5-104587-9).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Lin1999_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Lin1999_12-1) Lin, Pai-Lei; Shao, Kwang-Tsao (23 April 1999). ["A Review of the Carangid Fishes (Family Carangidae) From Taiwan with Descriptions of Four New Records"](http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=10055944). *Zoological Studies*. **38** (1): 33–68.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-SAfrica_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-SAfrica_13-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-SAfrica_13-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-SAfrica_13-3) 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).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Davidson, Alan (2004). *Seafood of South-East Asia: A Comprehensive Guide with Recipes*. Ten Speed Press. p. 70. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-58008-452-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-58008-452-4).

## External links

- [Longfin trevally at FishBase](http://fishbase.org/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=1916)

- [Encyclopedia of Life page](https://web.archive.org/web/20090108155837/http://www.eol.org/taxa/17051423)

- Photos of [Longfin trevally](https://sealifecollection.org/taxon/218394) in the Sealife Collection

Taxon identifiers Carangoides armatus Wikidata: Q1855822 Wikispecies: Carangoides armatus BOLD: 30320 CoL: R2HD FishBase: 1916 GBIF: 5210554 iNaturalist: 609906 IRMNG: 10938416 ITIS: 641955 IUCN: 20257156 NCBI: 181460 OBIS: 218394 TaiCOL: t0030132 WoRMS: 218394

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Longfin trevally](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longfin_trevally) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longfin_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.