Carangoides fulvoguttatus

The gold-spotted trevally is a reef predator, usually observed in front of drop offs, patrolling the reef or near sandy bottoms. It is easily recognizable by its yellow fins, large dark bands on the back that fade to the death of the fish and bright golden points. From above, the anterior part of the back is fluorescent yellow. Larger specimens often display a few black circular dots on the last third of the body. Spawning males are often speckled with black.

It can be mistaken for Carangoides bajad, which does usually not exceed 2-3 kg and is stockier. Another similar species with a rounder head is the bludger (Carangoides gymnostethus), commonly caught in Australia.

It can be found all year but more frequently during the austral winter, from June to October. It is seen in small groups of 3-4 fish, more rarely alone, in this case it is often a large specimen. In pristine areas, the schools can comprise dozens of individuals. In the coral reefs it is less frequent than the blue trevally but in mixed coral/sand zones the probability of encounter is reversed.

The gold spotted trevally likes current and moves to the shallow zone more frequently at the end of the day, shortly before sunset, like the dog tooth tuna.

The golden trevally is very vigorous and because of its sudden direction changes is often shot without really aiming, slip-tip being an asset, but not a must. This fish does rarely tear off.

Like the bluefin trevallies, the golden trevallies are delicious cooked but also raw. A treat on the barbecue.

One of the best catches in Indonesia, from 3-4kg up to about ten kg.