The giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis) is a large predatory fish found in the tropical Indo-Pacific, impressive for its size and power. It is particularly sought after by sportfishing enthusiasts.

The giant trevally has a robust, streamlined body that is laterally compressed and adapted for fast swimming. Its massive head, wide mouth, and powerful jaws give it an imposing appearance. Adults generally have a silvery gray to blackish back, while their sides and belly are lighter. Their fins are often gray to black, but may take on a yellowish hue in individuals living in turbid coastal waters.

Giant trevally typically average around 3.3 feet in length, but the largest individuals can reach up to 5.6 feet.

Giant trevally inhabit tropical waters throughout the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and the eastern coast of Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and the Marquesas Islands. They are found around Mayotte, Réunion, Mauritius, the Maldives, Guam, and French Polynesia, among other locations.

Their range extends north to southern Japan and the Ogasawara Islands, and south to northern Australia.

Giant trevally primarily inhabit lagoons and coral reefs, particularly along reef slopes facing the open ocean. They have been observed at depths of 33 to 623 feet, but also frequent shallow coastal waters.

Adults also swim over sandy and rocky bottoms. Juveniles may inhabit estuaries, where they find favorable conditions for growth and development.

Giant trevally are carnivorous predators that feed mainly on fish and crustaceans, including crabs and spiny lobsters, which they hunt primarily at night. With their wide mouths and powerful jaws, they capture a variety of prey in waters near reefs and over sandy and rocky bottoms.

Giant trevally spawn in areas that include shallow reefs exposed to the open ocean and offshore seamounts. They reach sexual maturity at around 2 feet in length, although this size may vary between populations and sexes. Breeding seasons also vary by region.

Although giant trevally are eaten, they can pose a risk of ciguatera poisoning, a foodborne illness caused by marine toxins that accumulate along the food chain. Large predatory individuals are particularly likely to accumulate these toxins. Their consumption therefore requires caution in regions where ciguatera is present.

The giant trevally is listed as many other marine species within The IUCN Red List of threatened species. The giant trevally appears in the IUCN Red List since 2016 within the category Least Concern !