Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic pomfret (Brama brama) is a saltwater fish of the family Bramidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Worldwide in temperate and subtropical seas, including the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea; oceanic.
Description
The Atlantic pomfret is a deep-bodied oceanic fish of the family Bramidae reaching about 100 cm. The strongly compressed body is dark, almost black, with a metallic sheen, large eyes and an obliquely upturned mouth; the dorsal and anal fins are long and sickle-shaped. The species lives oceanically in temperate and subtropical seas worldwide, including the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, ranging from the surface to hundreds of metres. It makes seasonal and vertical migrations and hunts fish, squid and crustaceans. In summer it moves northward and is sometimes found as far as the North Sea. It is a valued food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic pomfret?
The Atlantic pomfret has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Deep, laterally flattened ocean fish with large eyes, an obliquely upturned mouth and long, sickle-shaped dorsal and anal fins.
Where does the Atlantic pomfret live?
The Atlantic pomfret lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Worldwide in temperate and subtropical seas, including the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea; oceanic.
How big does the Atlantic pomfret get?
The Atlantic pomfret grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Atlantic pomfret dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic pomfret is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Atlantic pomfret edible?
Yes, the Atlantic pomfret is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic pomfret?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic pomfret is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Brama
More from the family Bramidae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic pomfret?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic pomfret is one of 12,519 species in the app.