Nature Field Guide
Golden Trevally
- Spanish name
- Jurel dorado
- Scientific name
- Gnathanodon speciosus
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “This little jack looks golden!”
Tati: “Older fish look more silver. The yellow fins are a useful clue.”
Species overview
About the Golden Trevally
Young fish show striking dark bars against a golden body. Adults become more silver, retain yellow fins and may carry scattered dark marks. Thick fleshy lips are another clue.
It searches near soft bottoms for food. Juveniles can accompany larger marine animals. This behavior is an observation to learn about from a distance, rather than a reason to approach their companions.
Identification
Key Features of the Golden Trevally
Thick fleshy lips
Yellow fins
Dark bars strongest in young fish
Habitat & range
Pacific coastal waters over sandy and other soft bottoms near reef areas.
Local observations
Recorded at Cabo Blanco.
When to observe
Visibility depends on water clarity, currents, depth and conditions. No fixed local viewing or migration season is assigned.
Conservation & care
Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.
Threats & pressures
Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.
Observation activity
Compare a juvenile with an adult. Note which colors remain in the fins.
Explore by location
Puntarenas & the Gulf Islands · South Pacific · Ocean & Coastal Life