How to Identify Malabar Trevally

To identify Malabar Trevally (Carangoides malabaricus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Generally silvery-grey to silvery-white on the flanks and belly, with a darker bluish-green to greenish-grey dorsal surface. Juveniles may have faint vertical bands. A prominent dark spot is present on the upper operculum. Fins are typically hyaline to dusky, sometimes yellowish.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deeply compressed, ovate body profile., Prominent dark spot on the upper operculum (gill cover)., Lateral line with a moderately long anterior arch and a straight posterior section, containing 20-32 scutes (bony plates) on the straight part., Snout is relatively blunt., Adipose eyelid well developed, covering most of the eye.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with 8 spines, the second with 1 spine and 20-23 soft rays. The anterior rays of the second dorsal fin are elongated.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Long and falcate (sickle-shaped), extending beyond the origin of the anal fin.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 17-19 soft rays. The anterior rays of the anal fin are also elongated.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Opercular Spot

   Look for a distinct, dark spot on the upper part of the gill cover. This is a key diagnostic feature.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Observe the deep, compressed, and ovate body. It is noticeably deeper than many other Carangoides species.

3. 3

   Lateral Line Scutes

   Count the scutes on the straight posterior section of the lateral line (20-32). This helps differentiate it from similar species.

4. 4

   Elongated Fin Rays

   Note the elongated anterior rays of both the second dorsal and anal fins.

Explore Malabar Trevally