Caranx ignobilis

The giant trevally or “GT” is an iconic reef predator of the indo-pacific, the famous Ulua of the Hawaiians. It can be found anywhere, both on the reef or about fifty meters upstream, in midwater. Its color is variable, sometimes very light, sometimes very dark, but it is generally recognizable by its size and irregular silvery vertical bands in the back. Juveniles can sometimes be confused with bigeye trevallies.

The “GT” is present all year, rather in small groups or solitary. In the autumn, schools of several dozens individuals can be observed.

It can be encountered at all hours, and like other pelagics rather with running current, even strong. Often it hides in the blue water and attacks the baitfish on the reef by flash sweeps, with the help of the current.

Often the GT comes frankly at the diver and it is often possible to properly adjust the shot. The problem is that this fish is very powerful and usually the shaft does not come out unscathed from the fight. The flesh is very dense and the skin thick, one must be close to pass through the fish, especially with a slip tip. Moreover, the GT usually rushes towards the structure, destroying shafts and cables/ wires. All this for a red and unpleasant flesh. However, all is not bad in the GT, Sean recommends the shoulder of the fish for sashimi, claiming it actually tastes very good.

Its size, its power, its racy lines, its aggressive look make the GT one of the first trophies coveted by spearos in Indonesia. Personally I shoot them only to offer to those who ask for it or if there is nothing else. And pretty rarely. Once satisfied by a trophy (25kg +), leave this beautiful fish for scuba divers and snorkelers to admire, or capture it with a camera ….