The giant trevally, Caranx ignobilis (also known as the giant kingfish, lowly trevally, barrier trevally, ulua, or GT), is a species of large marine fish classified in the jack family, Carangidae. The giant trevally is distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, with a range stretching from South Africa in the west to Hawaii in the east, including Japan in the north and Australia in the south.

The giant trevally is distinguished by its steep head profile, strong tail scutes and a variety of other more detailed anatomical features. It is normally a silvery colour with occasional dark spots, however males may be black once they mature. It is the largest fish in the genus Caranx, growing to a maximum known size of 170 cm (5 1/2 feet) and a weight of 80 kg (176 pounds). The giant trevally inhabits a wide range of marine environments, from estuaries, shallow bays and lagoons as a juvenile to deeper reefs, offshore atolls and large embayments as an adult. Juveniles of the species are known to live in waters of very low salinity such as coastal lakes and upper reaches of rivers, and tend to prefer turbid waters.

At sizes less than 50 cm (1.6 feet), the giant trevally is a silvery-grey fish, with the head and upper body slightly darker in both sexes. Fish greater than 50 cm show sexual dimorphism in their colouration, with males having a dusky to jet black body, while females are a much lighter coloured silvery grey. Individuals with a darker dorsal colouration often also display striking silvery striations and markings on the upper part of their body, particularly their back. Black dots of a few millimetres in diameter may also be found scattered all over the body, although the coverage of these dots varies between widespread to none at all. All the fins are generally light grey to black, although fish taken from turbid waters often have yellowish fins, with the anal fin being the brightest. The leading edge and tips of the anal and dorsal fins are generally lighter in colour than the main fin. There is no black spot on the operculum. Traces of broad cross-bands on the fish’s sides are occasionally seen after death.

Alphonse Island Resort

Indian Ocean

Alphonse is legendary as one of the finest saltwater fly fisheries in the world. The flats of nearby St. Francois Atoll offer over 10,000 acres of perfect wading, limited to just 12 rods a week. Alphonse offers a veritable paradise for the flats angler,...
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Christmas Island Outfitters

Christmas Island

Whether you are an experienced saltwater angler returning for your tenth trip or a novice keen on honing your flats fishing skills, you'll find the ultimate in flats wade-fishing at Christmas Island Outfitters. Endless hard sand flats, remarkable numbers...
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Cosmoledo Atoll

Indian Ocean

Cosmoledo is one of the most remote fishing destinations in the world, situated 560 nautical miles SW of Mahe, the capitol and main island of the Seychelles. The atoll is situated a stone’s throw away from the world heritage site of Aldabra, which is often...
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Farquhar Atoll

Indian Ocean

The flats at Farquhar consist of hard white sand, turtle grass, and broken coral, making for comfortable wading. Anglers can wade and sight fish to an impressive variety of species which include Bonefish, various Trevally species including the...
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Providence Atoll

Indian Ocean

Providence is a true flats fishing wilderness. There is no population living at Providence, which is just short of being the most southerly atoll in the Seychelles. Providence offers incredible diversity. Anglers can expect to target record size Giant Trevally, Bonefish...
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St. Brandon's Atoll

Indian Ocean

If wading and sight casting to double digit bonefish, gloriously finicky Indo-Pacific Permit and a host of Trevally species on powder white sand flats in the Indian Ocean appeals to you... then look no further. St Brandons is a group of over 50 small...
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The Villages at Christmas Island

Christmas Island

First opened in June of 2006, "The Villages" has quickly become renowned as the best location and best all-around fishing program on the island. Located on pristine white sand Discovery Beach, The Villages overlooks the ever changing aqua waters...
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