How to Identify African Pompano

To identify African Pompano (Trachinotus africanus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults are typically silvery-grey dorsally, fading to bright silver on the flanks and belly. Juveniles often display 4-5 dark vertical bars on their sides, which disappear as they mature. The fins can be dusky to yellowish.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deeply compressed, oval-shaped body, Long, falcate (scythe-like) dorsal and anal fins in adults, Small, embedded scales, Blunt snout

Dorsal fin

First dorsal fin with 6-7 short, stout spines; second dorsal fin with 1 spine and 18-20 soft rays. The anterior rays of the second dorsal fin are greatly elongated and falcate in adults.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin with long, pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Short and pointed, typically 17-19 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 16-18 soft rays. Like the dorsal fin, the anterior rays of the anal fin are elongated and falcate in adults. Pelvic fins are small.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the very deep, compressed, and oval-shaped body, which is characteristic of the genus Trachinotus.

2. 2

   Fin Elongation

   Adults have remarkably long, scythe-like anterior rays on both the dorsal and anal fins. This is a key distinguishing feature from many other carangids.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Silvery body with a darker back. Juveniles have distinct vertical bars that fade with maturity.

4. 4

   Lateral Line

   The lateral line is gently arched anteriorly and becomes straight posteriorly, without scutes (bony plates) on the straight part, which differentiates it from many other jack species.

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