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Size
7 to 14 inches (17.8 to 35.6 cm) -
Diet
Tiny fishes, crustaceans, polychaete worms, and mollusks -
Range
Western Atlantic from Massachusetts and Bermuda south to Argentina, including the Gulf of Mexico -
Habitat
Shallow water above sandy bottom and near coral and rocky reefs
Physical Characteristics
Size
- Palometa reaches a maximum size of 18 inches (45.7 cm), but lengths closer to 7 to 14 inches (17.8 to 35.6 cm) are more common.
Color
- Striking, reflective silver fish. Dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are tipped with black.
Animal Fact
The palometa is a striking, reflective silver fish.
Diet / Feeding
- Feeds on tiny fishes, crustaceans, polychaete worms and mollusks.
Range / Habitat
Range
- Occurs in the Western Atlantic from Massachusetts and Bermuda south to Argentina, including the Gulf of Mexico.
Habitat
- Found in shallow water above sandy bottom and near coral and rocky reefs, usually at depths of 1 to 35 feet (1 to 10.7 m).
Conservation Status
- “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.
Additional Information
- Palometa is also known as the banner pompano and the longfin pompano.
- Usually encountered in small schools.
- This species has been known to be attracted by bubbles and will curiously approach divers.
Sources
- www.fishbase.org
- Reef Fish Identification Florida Caribbean Bahamas. Humann, P. and DeLoach, N.
- www.IUCNredlist.org
