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BLUEFIN TREVALLY

When you are fishing inshore you can count on catching Bluefin Trevally. When not circling around coral reefs, Bluefin Trevally aggressively hunt the coastlines in schools. Bluefin Trevally is actually a species of  Pompano.

bluefin

Why does a fish have to be so pretty

 Bluefin Trevally hunt in packs along shorelines, feeding very aggressively. 

Slowly & comfortably cruising around primitive, uninhabited tropical islands is wonderful way to vacation in itself.

Eastern Pacific Bluefin Trevally Overview

The Eastern Pacific Bluefin Trevally (Caranx melampygus), also known as the bluefin jack or bluefin kingfish, is a large and widely distributed species of fish found in tropical and subtropical waters. It is known for its strength and is a popular target for both commercial and recreational fishing.

Physical Characteristics and Size

  • Maximum Length: Bluefin Trevally can grow up to 117 centimeters (approximately 46 inches), although individuals over 80 centimeters are rare.
  • Maximum Weight: They can weigh up to 43.5 kilograms (about 96 pounds).
  • Appearance: They have a streamlined, oblong body with a silver-brassy color that fades to silvery white on the underside. The species is characterized by its distinctive blue fins, which contribute to its common name.

Habitat and Migration

  • Geographic Distribution: The Eastern Pacific Bluefin Trevally is found throughout the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, ranging from Eastern Africa to Central America, including the coasts of Japan and Australia.
  • Depth Range: They typically inhabit depths of up to 100 meters (approximately 328 feet but can be found in shallower waters, especially near reefs and coastal areas.
  • Temperature Preferences: Bluefin Trevally thrive in warmer waters, generally preferring temperatures between 24 to 30°C (approximately 75 to 86°F).

Spawning Behavior

  • Spawning Season: The spawning season for Bluefin Trevally varies by region but generally occurs during the warmer months, with peak activity noted in the summer.
  • Reproductive Strategy: They are known to spawn in aggregations, with females capable of producing thousands of eggs. The eggs are pelagic and float in the water column.

Age and Growth

  • Lifespan: Bluefin Trevally can live for up to 10 years in the wild.
  • Growth Rate: They exhibit rapid growth during their early years, reaching sexual maturity at around 2 to 3 years of age.

Behavior and Feeding

  • Feeding Habits: Bluefin Trevally are carnivorous, primarily feeding on smaller fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. They are known for their aggressive hunting style and can employ various techniques, including midwater attacks and reef ambushes.
  • Social Behavior: They are often found in schools, especially when young, but can also be solitary as they mature.

Conservation Status

  • The Bluefin Trevally is not currently considered threatened, but like many marine species, it faces pressures from overfishing and habitat degradation.

 

Bluefin trevally are commercially fished primarily in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including areas around East Africa, the Maldives, and Hawaii. They are targeted by both commercial and recreational fishers due to their popularity as a game fish and can be caught using various fishing methods, including trolling and bottom fishing

Commercial Fishing of Bluefin Trevally

Fishing Locations

Bluefin trevally are primarily fished in the following regions:

  • Indian Ocean: Particularly around the coasts of East Africa and the islands in the region.
  • Pacific Ocean: Found from Central America to the islands of the Pacific, including Hawaii and various archipelagos.
  • Australia: Commonly caught in coastal waters and reefs.

Fishing Methods

Bluefin trevally are targeted using various fishing techniques:

  • Commercial Fishing: Large-scale operations often use nets and longlines to catch significant quantities.
  • Recreational Fishing: Anglers typically use rods and reels, often employing techniques like fly fishing or casting with lures.
  • Aquaculture: Research is ongoing to develop sustainable farming practices for bluefin trevally, especially in regions where wild populations are declining.

Catch Statistics

  • Commercial fisheries report catches of up to 50 tonnes per year in the western Indian Ocean.
  • In Hawaii, recreational fisheries record around 700 lbs annually.

Conservation Status

The bluefin trevally is currently considered safe for commercial fishing, but overfishing in certain areas, particularly Hawaii, has raised concerns. Efforts are being made to monitor populations and explore aquaculture options to ensure sustainability.