Common names
Bigeye Jack, Great trevally, Six-banded Trevally, Dusky Jack
Bigeye trevally
Caranx sexfasciatus
- Mixed
- Least concern
Max length47.25 in
Common length23.5 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight39 lb 11 oz
Depth range0 - 479 ft
Water typeMixed
Water temperature79 - 84 °F
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Bigeye trevally are similar to most other jacks in having a compressed, oblong body, with the dorsal profile slightly more convex than the ventral profile, particularly anteriorly. The snout is slightly pointed and is greater in length than the eye diameter. The bigeye trevally shows a change in colour as it ages, changing both overall colour and body patterns. The Bigeye Trevally is blue-green above and silvery below. The dorsal and anal fin tips are white. The caudal fin is yellowish to black. There is a black spot on the upper operculum and dark scutes along the straight portion of the lateral line.
Habitat
The bigeye trevally predominantly live in inshore coastal waters, although do occur in pelagic settings far offshore and around remote islands and seamounts.
Distribution
Distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Ranging from South Africa in the west to California and Ecuador in the east, including Australia to the south and Japan in the north.
Behaviour
The bigeye trevally is a fast-swimming predatory species. The species is mostly inactive during the day and feeds at dusk and through the night. The large stationary aggregations break off as the fish move off to hunt in small groups or individually. The species predominantly takes small fish as prey, however, it supplements its diet with a varied array of invertebrates.
Edibility
Has firm, dense, slightly oily meat. They can be dry if overcooked, but Grilled, BBQ’d or Pan Fried lightly they are a pleasant eating fish. Skin is usually taken off to remove the dark oily bloodline.
Lure suggestion
They will hit on trolling lures, plastic jigs/fish/squid, rope lures, drone spoons and feathers. Bigeye respond well to live/cut bait as well. Good bait: mullet, anchovies, squid, prawns, herring, garfish, sauries or strip bait.