Carangoides ferdau (Forsskal, 1775)

English Name: Blue trevally
Family:
CARANGIDAE
Local Name: Dhabaru handhi
Order: Perciformes
Size: Max. 70 cm
Specimen:
MRS/P0l40/87




Distinctive Characters: First dorsal fin with 8 spines, second dorsal fin with I spine and 26-34 rays. Anal fin with 2 detached spines, followed by I spine and 21-26 rays. Gill rakers on first gill arch including the rudiments, 24-29. Snout bluntly rounded. Breast naked ventrally to origin of pelvic fins. Naked patch at the base of pectoral fin.

Colour: Silvery. Numerous inconspicuous golden spots present on sides mainly above level of
pectoral fins. Adults often with 5-6 dusky bands on sides.

Habitat and Biology: Coastal waters; semi-deniersal, found at depths from 5 to 60 m. Occurs singly or in small aggregations. Feeds on crustaceans or small fish.

Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.

Remarks: The many golden spots on the sides of Carangoides ferdau give it its Dhivehi name ‘Dhabaru handhi - (rusty trevally), even though there are a number of other species with more conspicuous orange markings.