Rainbow Runner: Elegatis bipinnulata

Carangidae Family

This attractive pelagic fish is actually a member of the Trevally family but it has a completely different appearance to other family members and is often mistaken for a yellowtail kingfish.

Juvenile Rainbow Runners generally swim in large schools, often accompanying schools of Giant Trevally. They are often encountered along weed lines or large areas of floating debris - a similar behavior to Dorado.

Small Rainbows generally put up little resistance when hooked but specimens of over 10lbs can put a bend in most rods. They can be targeted on salt-water fly tackle and this is by far the best way to appreciate the fighting characteristics of this sporting lightweight. The IGFA World record is actually a beautiful Rainbow of 37lbs but Phuket specimens rarely exceed 20lbs.

Rainbow Runners are a very popular delicacy in Japan, where it is eaten either raw or cooked with an aromatic sauce.