Small spotted dart
(Trachinotus baillonii)
Image source: Jo's Animal Database
General data
Trachinotus baillonii can reach a maximum length of 60 cm (24 in) in males and a maximum weight of 1.5 kg (3.3 lb).
The body color varies from silvery blue to grey above, with some small black spots on the flanks. The number of these spots increases with age. This fish is silvery white below. It has large, strong fins, a forked tail, and a narrow base. It feeds on small fishes.
This species is widespread in the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and coast of East Africa to the Gambier Islands and southern Japan. In the Marquesas Islands, it is replaced by the similar Marquesas dart (T. macrospilus). The smallspotted dart is a reef-associated species. It can be found in lagoons and seaward reefs, usually in schools near the surface of waters.
