How to Identify Atlantic Pomfret

To identify Atlantic Pomfret (Brama brama), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults are typically dark brown to black dorsally, fading to a silvery-grey or white ventrally. Fins are dark. Juveniles may have a lighter, more silvery appearance.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deep, highly compressed body, almost disc-shaped in larger individuals., Large, prominent eyes, indicative of its deep-water habitat., A single, long dorsal fin and anal fin that are almost mirror images in shape and length., Strongly forked caudal fin., Absence of scales on the head in adults, with scales on the body being large, keeled, and deciduous (easily shed).

Dorsal fin

Single, long dorsal fin with 36-40 rays, originating above the pectoral fin base and extending almost to the caudal peduncle. Anterior rays are typically taller.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, with long, pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Long, falcate (sickle-shaped) pectoral fins, typically reaching beyond the origin of the anal fin.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small, located thoracically, and often fold into a groove. Anal fin is long, with 29-35 rays, similar in shape to the dorsal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a very deep, laterally compressed body, giving it a disc-like appearance, especially in larger specimens.

2. 2

   Eyes

   Note the unusually large eyes, a characteristic adaptation for low-light environments at depth.

3. 3

   Fins

   Observe the single, long dorsal and anal fins that are nearly symmetrical, and the deeply forked caudal fin. The pectoral fins are long and sickle-shaped.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Adults are typically dark brown to black on the back, fading to silvery-grey on the belly. Fins are dark.

5. 5

   Scales

   Adults have large, keeled, and easily shed scales on the body, but the head is typically scaleless.

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