How to Identify Pompano

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

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Generally silvery, often with yellowish or golden tints on the fins and belly. Some species may have faint vertical bars or spots. The dorsal and anal fins can be dusky or yellowish.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deeply compressed, oval to oblong body, Small, terminal mouth, Deeply forked caudal fin with long lobes, Absence of scutes along the lateral line (distinguishes them from many other Carangids), Relatively small, embedded scales

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with 6-7 short, stout spines, the second with 1 spine and 18-20 soft rays. The anterior rays of the second dorsal fin are often elongated in some species (e.g., African Pompano).

Tail fin

Deeply forked, with long, pointed lobes, indicative of fast swimming.

Pectoral fin

Long and falcate (sickle-shaped), positioned high on the body.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin similar in shape and size to the second dorsal fin, with 2-3 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 16-18 soft rays. Pelvic fins are small.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a very deep, compressed body that is almost as tall as it is long, especially in species like Permit (T. falcatus) and African Pompano (T. goreensis).

2. 2

   Caudal Fin

   The deeply forked tail with long, pointed lobes is a key characteristic across the genus.

3. 3

   Lateral Line

   The absence of prominent scutes (bony plates) along the lateral line distinguishes Trachinotus from many other carangids like jacks and trevallies.

4. 4

   Mouth

   Their small, terminal mouth is adapted for picking small invertebrates from the substrate.

5. 5

   Coloration

   Generally silvery, but look for specific color patterns. For instance, Florida Pompano often have yellowish pelvic and anal fins, while Permit can have a more golden or brassy hue on their flanks and sometimes a dark spot on the side.

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