The Florida pompano is a marine fish commonly found in inshore waters along the coast of the Southeastern U.S. Its body has a silver coloration and distinctive shape, with its eye located close to the mouth. The species typically travels in small schools and makes seasonal movements influenced by temperature, while local movements are influenced by tides. It primarily feeds on clams, shrimp and small fish. The Florida pompano supports an important commercial and recreational fishery in Florida. It is the highest priced marine food fish in the U.S. and is valued by sport fishermen because of its fighting ability. Recent research suggests that Florida populations of this species are currently being overfished.

Come see the Florida pompano swimming in our Gray’s Reef habitat in the Georgia Explorer gallery.

• The juveniles are found along sandy beaches exposed to wave action and are absent from insular areas with coral line habitats.
• This species can reach 25.1 inches (64 cm) in length. Its maximum published weight is 8.3 lbs. (3.7 kg).
• This species generally occurs in various size schools, often swimming rapidly.
• The Florida pompano is an important commercial species. It is the highest priced marine food fish caught in U.S. waters.

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