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Atlantic Pompano

Sicuro

Trachinotus carolinus

Conosciuto anche come: Pompano, Carolina Pompano, Common Pompano

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Descrizione

The Atlantic Pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) is a highly prized marine fish belonging to the jack family, Carangidae. It is renowned for its delectable flesh and is a popular target for both commercial and recreational fisheries. This species is characterized by its deep, compressed body, small mouth, and silvery coloration, often with yellowish fins. It is a fast-swimming, schooling fish found in coastal waters, particularly over sandy bottoms and in surf zones.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo
compressed
Colorazione
Silvery body, often with a golden or yellowish tint on the belly and fins. Dorsal and anal fins can be dusky or yellowish. Juveniles may have faint vertical bars.
Tipo di squame
cycloid
Posizione della bocca
subterminal
Caratteristiche distintive
Deeply compressed, oval-shaped body, Small, slightly inferior mouth, Forked caudal fin, Absence of scutes along the lateral line (distinguishes from some other jacks), Short, blunt snout
Pinna dorsale
Two dorsal fins; the first with 6-7 short, stout spines, the second with 1 spine and 22-27 soft rays. The anterior rays of the second dorsal fin are elongated.
Pinna caudale
Deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes.
Pinna pettorale
Short and pointed pectoral fins.
Pinne distintive
Anal fin similar in shape to the second dorsal fin, with 2-3 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 20-24 soft rays. Pelvic fins are small.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Body Shape

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

Mouth

Observe the small, slightly inferior mouth that does not extend past the anterior margin of the eye.

Fins

Note the deeply forked tail and the elongated anterior rays of the second dorsal and anal fins. The fins often have a yellowish tint.

Lateral Line

Confirm the absence of scutes (bony plates) along the lateral line, a key differentiator from many other carangids.

Habitat

Tipo di acqua
saltwater
Profondità
Typically found in shallow coastal waters, from the surf zone to depths of about 60 meters (200 feet).
Ambiente
Prefers sandy beaches, surf zones, estuaries, and shallow coastal flats. Often found near inlets and passes. Juveniles frequently inhabit estuaries and protected bays.
Areale geografico
Western Atlantic Ocean, from Massachusetts (rarely) south to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Most abundant from North Carolina to Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

Informazioni sull'acquario

  • Livello di cura: expert
  • Temperamento: semi-aggressive
  • Dieta: carnivore
  • Dimensione minima della vasca: 500 gallons
  • Temperatura: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
  • Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Durezza: 8-12 dKH
  • Compatibilità: Best kept in species-specific tanks or with other large, fast-swimming, non-aggressive fish. Avoid small or slow-moving tank mates.
  • Requisiti speciali: Requires a very large tank with strong filtration and excellent water quality. Needs ample swimming space and a sandy substrate. Can be challenging to acclimate to captive diets and prone to stress in inadequate environments. Not typically recommended for home aquaria due to size and specific needs.

Informazioni in natura

  • Stato di conservazione: least concern
  • Stagionalità: Peak season typically late spring through fall, with availability varying by region and migratory patterns.
  • Prezzo di mercato: High, often one of the most expensive fish per pound in its range.
  • Importanza commerciale: high
  • Sapore: Mild, sweet, and rich, often described as buttery.
  • Consistenza: Firm, flaky, and delicate.
  • Metodi di cottura: Baking, Grilling, Pan-frying, Broiling, Steaming
  • Valore nutrizionale: Excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Fatti chiave

Surf Zone Specialistbehavior

Atlantic Pompano are frequently found feeding in the turbulent surf zone of sandy beaches, using their keen sense of smell and sight to locate prey in the shifting sands.

Prized Delicacyinteresting

Due to its exquisite flavor and texture, the Atlantic Pompano is considered one of the finest eating fish in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, often commanding premium prices.

Migratory Patternsbehavior

These fish undertake seasonal migrations, moving to warmer southern waters during winter and returning north in the spring and summer months.

Aquaculture Potentialinteresting

Due to its high market value, Atlantic Pompano is a species of interest for aquaculture, with ongoing research into sustainable farming methods.

Dietary Habitsbehavior

Their diet primarily consists of small invertebrates found in sandy substrates, such as mole crabs (Emerita spp.), coquina clams (Donax spp.), and various small crustaceans and worms.

Informazioni di sicurezza

Sicuro
  • Livello di sicurezza: safe
  • Velenoso: No
  • Commestibilità: edible
  • Note sul maneggio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin pricks. The fins are not venomous.

Specie simili

Permit

Trachinotus falcatus

Permit typically grow larger, have a more pronounced, sickle-shaped second dorsal and anal fin, and often exhibit a more golden or brassy coloration, especially in larger individuals. The Permit's body is generally deeper and more rounded than the Atlantic Pompano.

Florida Pompano

Trachinotus goodei

The Florida Pompano (also known as Palometa) has 4-5 distinct, narrow vertical bars on its sides, which are usually absent or very faint in adult Atlantic Pompano. Its body is also generally more elongated than T. carolinus.

African Pompano

Alectis ciliaris

African Pompano have extremely long, filamentous rays in their dorsal and anal fins, especially as juveniles, which are absent in Trachinotus species. Their body shape is also more diamond-like.

Classificazione scientifica

Regno
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordine
Carangiformes
Famiglia
Carangidae
Genere
Trachinotus
Specie
carolinus

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