Trachinotus blochii (Lacepède 1801)

Description: Dorsal side silvery blue grey, ventrally paler; large adults golden orange, especially snout and ventral half of body. Dorsal snout profile very steep and broadly rounded. Fins dorsal greater than anal, soft-rays greatly elevated, spines embedded and inconspicuous in large adult; caudal strongly forked, caudal peduncle grooves absent. (Ref. 2334, 90102)

Caligus Infestation 11. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18 - 20; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 16 - 18

Juveniles inhabit sandy shorelines and shallow sandy or muddy bays near river mouths while adults move out in schools to clear seaward reefs. Found near coral and rock reefs. Feed primarily on sand molluscs and other hard-shelled invertebrates.

Juveniles inhabit sandy shorelines and shallow sandy or muddy bays near river mouths while adults move out in schools to clear seaward coral and rock reefs (Ref. 5213). Juveniles are in small schools, while adults are usually solitary (Ref. 48635). Adults feed primarily on sand mollusks and other hard-shelled invertebrates (Ref. 9710).

fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums; price category: high; price reliability: reliable: based on ex-vessel price for this species