Jacks

Giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis)

The Giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis) belongs to the family Carangidae (jacks) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in pairs or alone. It reaches about 100 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis), a Red Sea fish of the jacks family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameCaranx ignobilis
FamilyJacks (Carangidae)
Common name (IT)Carango gigante
Common name (EN)Giant trevally
Maximum size100 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Giant trevally belong to?
The Giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis) belongs to the family Carangidae (jacks).
Is the Giant trevally dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Giant trevally endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Giant trevally get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 100 cm.

Explore the Giant trevally in 3D in the interactive atlas →