Dispatch Method:

Beware of the sharp scutes on the tail when handling bigeye trevally. The eating qualities of these fish can be greatly improved if they are killed immediately by iki jime or a firm knock to the head before placing them in an ice slurry after bleeding.

Fish Description:

• Bigeye trevally are dark blue-green to gold above and yellowish-green to silvery below. The dorsal and anal fins are dark grey with white tips and there is a small round black spot on the upper operculum.
  
• Juveniles may have 4-7 broad dark vertical cross-bars.

Fish Distribution:

• This species can be found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region from the Eastern Pacific off central America west to Eastern Africa.
  
• In northern Australia it occurs from Cape Cuvier, WA along the northern coastline to as far south as Sydney Harbour, NSW.
  
• Adult fish inhabit coral reefs, while juveniles are common in mangrove estuaries and tidal creeks where they form schools and sometimes enter fresh water.

Fish Size Common Length:

30-60 cm (12-24 inches), maximum size around 120 cm (4 feet) and 18 kg (40 lb).