Putative spawning aggregations of giant trevally in the Red Sea

Abstract

Timing and location of transient reef fish spawning aggregations are fundamental data required to effectively manage populations, particularly those exposed to commercial fisheries. The giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis) is a semipelagic apex predator of ecological, economic, and cultural significance across its Indo-Pacific range, yet information regarding regional spawning aggregations for the species remains scarce. Here we present documentation to record, for the first time, putative transient spawning aggregations of giant trevally in the Red Sea. Considering that other C. ignobilis aggregations demonstrate highly predictable and specific spatiotemporal dynamics, relevant resource managers should pursue protection strategies to avoid rapid overexploitation of the stock.