How to Identify Irish Pompano

To identify Irish Pompano (Diapterus rhombeus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Overall silvery, often with a darker dorsal surface and lighter belly. Juveniles may exhibit faint vertical bars or spots that fade with age. Fins are typically translucent or dusky.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deep, rhomboidal body shape, giving it a somewhat diamond-like appearance., Highly protrusible mouth, adapted for sifting through substrate., Long, pointed pectoral fins., Second dorsal and anal fins are relatively long and pointed., Scales are large and cycloid.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, deeply notched, with 9-10 spines followed by 10-11 soft rays. The second spine is notably long.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Long and pointed, reaching beyond the origin of the anal fin.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 8-9 soft rays; the second anal spine is also robust.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the very deep, compressed, and rhomboidal body, which is characteristic of this species.

2. 2

   Mouth

   Observe the highly protrusible mouth, which can extend significantly downwards for feeding.

3. 3

   Second Dorsal and Anal Spines

   Note the relatively long and robust second spine in both the dorsal and anal fins.

4. 4

   Coloration

   The overall silvery body, sometimes with a dusky dorsal area, is a key indicator.

Explore Irish Pompano