Giant Trevally

Photo: Nikolai Vladimirov · CC BY-NC

Giant trevally are the dominant roving predator at Ras Kisimani, patrolling the current-swept coral crest in groups of three to twenty individuals and launching high-speed attacks on the fusilier and anthias schools that shelter in the lee of large coral heads. As the largest member of the trevally family, individuals exceeding 80 kilograms have been observed at this site, and their power and acceleration during predatory rushes — achieved through a burst-swimming musculature comprising nearly 60 percent of body mass — creates some of the most dramatic predator-prey spectacles on any East African reef. They are known to associate with larger animals including manta rays and whale sharks, using their companion's bulk to conceal approach vectors and ambush fish that would otherwise detect a lone predator.