How to Identify Black Pomfret

To identify Black Pomfret (Parastromateus niger), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults are typically uniformly dark grey to black, sometimes with a metallic sheen. Juveniles may exhibit lighter coloration with faint vertical bands.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deeply compressed, rhomboidal body., Small, terminal mouth., Absence of pelvic fins in adults., Strongly forked caudal fin., Lateral line highly arched over the pectoral fin.

Dorsal fin

A single, long dorsal fin with 4-5 short, stout spines followed by 42-47 soft rays. The anterior rays are elongated, giving the fin a falcate (sickle-shaped) appearance.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin with long, pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Long and falcate, extending beyond the origin of the anal fin. Composed of 22-24 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin similar in shape and length to the dorsal fin, with 3 short spines followed by 35-40 soft rays. Pelvic fins are absent in adults, a key distinguishing feature.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a very deep, laterally compressed body that is almost as tall as it is long.

2. 2

   Coloration

   Adults are uniformly dark grey to black. Juveniles might be lighter with faint bands.

3. 3

   Fins

   Note the absence of pelvic fins in adults. Both dorsal and anal fins are long and falcate, mirroring each other. The caudal fin is deeply forked.

4. 4

   Lateral Line

   Observe the lateral line, which is distinctly arched over the pectoral fin.

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