The Gold-spotted Trevally, Orangespotted Trevally, scientifically known as Carangoides bajad, is a captivating fish species that graces the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This marine inhabitant, boasting a striking appearance, is a noteworthy member of the Carangidae family, renowned for its diverse array of fish species.
Description & Characteristics
The Carangoides bajad stands out with its distinctive gold or orange spots, often resembling a constellation of celestial bodies against its silver-grey body. These spots, more prominent on the dorsal side, lend the fish its common names. This species can attain a maximum size of 55.0 cm, making it a moderately sized fish.
Habitat and Occurrence
This fish thrives in a variety of marine habitats, favoring the coastal waters, bays, lagoons, and coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region. Its preferred depth range extends from 2.0 to 70.0 meters, placing it within the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. neritic. This extensive depth range reflects its adaptability to different ecological niches within its marine environment.
Taxonomy
The Carangoides bajad belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Carangiformes, and Family: Carangidae. The Teleostei class encompasses most bony fish, characterized by their highly developed skeletons. The Carangiformes order, which includes jacks, scads, and pompanos, is known for its streamlined bodies and excellent swimming abilities. The Carangidae family, a diverse group, is recognized for its laterally compressed bodies and forked tails.
Feeding
The Gold-spotted Trevally, Orangespotted Trevally (Carangoides bajad) is a carnivorous predator, its diet comprising a variety of prey items, including crabs, crustaceans, small fish, and shrimps. This diverse feeding strategy allows it to effectively exploit the resources available in its habitat.
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