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Silver Trevally

Silver Trevally

Pseudocaranx Dentex

Quick Facts

Scientific name Pseudocaranx Dentex

Other names Araara, Blue Trevally, Blurter, Bruised Face Trevally, Jack, Ranger, Silver Bream, Skipjack Trevally, Skippy, Trevally, White Trevally

Size Up to 1.2 m (3.93 ft)

Weight Up to 18 kg (40 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal waters, estuaries, bays, deep waters of headlands amongst rocky areas & reefs

Depth Range 10 - 200 m (33 - 660 ft)

Interesting Info

The Silver Trevally is a shiny, deep-bodied trevally that glimmers like polished metal when swimming in schools.
They can grow up to 1.2 m (47 in) and 18 kg (40 lb), but most caught in Australia are much smaller, around 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
In Australia, Silver Trevally are found from southern Queensland down through New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and across to southern Western Australia.
Globally, they occur across the Indo-Pacific, including New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, and many Pacific Islands.
Their sides are silver to bluish, with faint yellowish highlights, and a darker bluish back. Some show a faint dusky spot on the upper gill cover.
They are schooling fish, often moving in large groups near reefs, bays, and sandy coastal areas.
Juveniles often hang around estuaries and sheltered bays before moving offshore as they grow.
Silver Trevally feed on a variety of small fishes, crustaceans, and molluscs, chasing prey both near the seabed and in midwater.
They are known for their speed and strength, making them a fun challenge for anglers.
Divers and snorkellers may spot them flashing silver as schools sweep past rocky reef slopes or sandy bottoms.
Spawning takes place offshore during warmer months, with eggs drifting in the plankton until larvae settle in coastal nurseries.
They grow relatively quickly and live up to 25 years, which is long compared to many other carangids.
Silver Trevally are sometimes confused with similar trevallies, but their deep oval body and silvery shine give them away.

Species Interaction

Recreational & Commercial Fishing, Snorkelling & Diving

For recreational anglers, Silver Trevally are a popular sport fish—hard-fighting and often taken on light tackle from boats, jetties, and surf beaches. They are also caught commercially with trawl nets and traps. Snorkellers and divers may see large, fast-moving schools sweeping past rocky reef drop-offs or feeding near sandy bottoms.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Carangiformes

Family: Carangidae

Genus: Pseudocaranx

Species: Pseudocaranx dentex

Conservation Status

The Silver Trevally is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is widespread and locally abundant, though fishing pressure has reduced numbers in some areas. In Australia, stocks are managed with catch limits and minimum size restrictions to ensure sustainability.

Fish Taste Quality

Silver Trevally are an excellent table fish with firm, white flesh and a clean, mild flavour. They are versatile in the kitchen and can be grilled, baked, smoked, or turned into sashimi.

Taste Rating: 3.5/5