Trevally

Pseudocaranx dentex  (Scientific Name) Maori Name: Araara Other common names: Jackfish   RULES AND REGULATIONS Please check the latest rules and catch limits for trevally in your area on the MPI website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing-aquaculture/recreational-fishing/fishing-rules/

DESCRIPTION

Trevally belong to the Caranigidae family. Although trevally can be found throughout different water levels, trevally are schooling fish, most abundant in the warmer waters off the northern North Island but summer stragglers can reach the Banks Peninsula. Adult schools are often seen near headlands, pinnacles and islands where currents tend to concentrate a lot of plankton.
You’ll catch trevally all year round but spring through to autumn is best.
The deep body, separated dorsal fins and row of ridged plates near the tail base are distinctive features of this species. The body has a blue-green colouration with metallic overtones. A small dark blotch often appears on the upper gill plate and its fins are tinged yellow.
 

HABITAT & FEEDING

Trevally are mostly plankton feeders. Food seems to be anything locally available whether from a rocky shore or a muddy bottom. In summer trevally form close-packed schools and can be found in depths of anywhere up to 100 metres. At times you can see large schools of trevally breaking the surface when feeding on krill (a small shrimp-like crustacean). If the plankton food source is scarce, they will suck up sediment to sift out worms and other small organisms.

 
AGE & GROWTH

As the trevally grows beyond 40cm its back becomes a darker blue-green and the head also develops a hump.  Trevally are slow growing and long living with some fish exceeding 45 years of age.
 

FOOD QUALITY

Trevally have medium to soft fillets. The flesh is marbled pink with a darker fat line that can be filleted out.  They are excellent smoked.  For peak eating quality, trevally should be bled immediately after capture which is also the perfect preparation for a feed of sashimi.