Download GIANT KINGFISH Caranx ignobilis IDENTIFYING FEATURES This

GIANT KINGFISH
Caranx ignobilis
IDENTIFYING FEATURES
This large fish has a deep, robust body which is silver-grey in colour with a darker dorsal surface and
white belly. Irregular, small black spots occur on the back and upper sides. The fish has small scales
except for two small naked patches in front of the pectoral and pelvic fins.
Scientific Name: Caranx ignobilis
Common Names: Giant kingfish, giant trevally, GT
Family: Carangidae
Size: 165 cm fork length and weighs up to 68 kg
DISTRIBUTION
Giant kingfish are locally distributed between Port Elizabeth and Mozambique and extend
throughout the Indo-Pacific to Australia. The adults are more abundant off KwaZulu-Natal during the
summer months.
HABITAT
They are common in shallow coastal areas, around islands and reefs, with juveniles commonly found
in estuaries. This fish can tolerate broad ranges of salinity to
fresh water. The smaller fish are often found in groups but the very large adults are invariably
solitary.
DIET
This is the largest and most aggressive of the kingfish species and is one of the fiercest marine fish
predators. About 70% of the diet is fish, with the balance being made up of squid and crustaceans.
REPRODUCTION
Spawning occurs over a widespread area in summer. Males and females congregate in sex specific
shoals and the population is male dominated in KwaZulu-Natal.
Length at maturity: 65cm fork length
Age at maturity: ±3 years
Maximum age: Over 10 years
Male to female sex ratio: 1:1.39
CAPTURE
This is an important recreational game-fish caught by shore anglers, ski-boat anglers and spear
fishermn. often soughts as a trophy. The fish's aggressive predatory behaviour makes it vulnerable to
overfishing. They have little commercial value.
REGULATIONS
Category: Recreational List
Daily bag limit: 5 per person per day
Minimum size limit: None
Closed Season: None
Other Regulations: None
SASSI: RED LIST
CONSERVATION
The current status of this fish population is not known and little is known about their early life
history. The adults may receive some protection in the Maputaland and St Lucia Marine Reserve
Sanctuary areas. Greater protection of juveniles (perhaps through a minimum size limit or protection
of estuarine nursery habitats) may be necessary to ensure the future sustainable use of this species.