Golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus)
The golden trevally is found throughout the Indo-Pacific, in the eastern Pacific from the southwestern coast of Baja California and the Gulf of California to Ecuador. It occurs in deep lagoons and seaward reefs. It feeds on small fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates. The golden trevally is known to form schools. It is noted for its behavior of swimming closely around sharks and other large fish, but also follows divers for protection from likely predators.
You can find the golden trevally in the Ocean Voyager gallery, usually near the mouth of a whale shark!
Fun Facts
- The golden trevally has thick and fleshy lips.
- The small juveniles will live among the tentacles of jellyfish.
- Juveniles and young adults are bright yellow to silvery in color with black bars on their body and yellow fins.
- Adults have a few black blotches or spots on the sides. If bars are present, they are faint.
- The golden trevally can be found in depths up to 32 feet.



