This deep-bodied, silvery fish can be found in coastal waters of the western Atlantic, frequently near bays or estuaries, where it feeds on mollusks, crustaceans, other invertebrates and small fish.
  • Size

    25 inches (64 cm)
  • Diet

    Mollusks, crustaceans, small fish
  • Range

    Western Atlantic Ocean
  • Habitat

    Coastal waters, commonly near bays and estuaries

Physical Characteristics

  • Reaches about 25 inches (64 cm) in length. Its maximum published weight is 8.3 lbs. (3.8 kg).
  • Deep, silvery body, the back may be dark.
  • Juveniles have a yellowish coloration on the belly, anal fin and caudal fin.

 

Animal Fact

The Florida pompano is a popular sport and food fish, and also does well in aquaculture.

Diet / Feeding

  • Diet consists of mollusks, crustaceans, other invertebrates and small fish.

Range / Habitat

  • Occurs in the Western Atlantic down the east coast of the United States, throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Central and South American coasts to Brazil, with scattered locales in the West Indies.
  • Found in coastal waters, commonly near bays and estuaries in depths of about 230 feet (70 m).

Reproduction & Growth

  • Oviparous, egg-laying species that display egg scattering.

Conservation Status

  • “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.

Additional Information

  • Aggregates in various size schools that often swim rapidly.
  • Popular food and sport fish with great potential as an aquaculture species.

Sources

  • www.fishbase.org
  • Peterson Field Guides – Atlantic Coast Fishes. Robins, C.R. and Ray, G.C., pg. 164

     

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