Fin's Fish Guide
The Australian dart (Trachinotus ovatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles and the Bay of Biscay to West Africa, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The pompano is a fast marine fish of the family Carangidae (jacks) reaching about 70 cm but usually smaller. The deep, strongly compressed body is bright silver with a blue-green back and often carries a few small dark spots on the flank. The deeply forked tail and streamlined shape make it a powerful swimmer. The species occurs in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean; juveniles live in shallow coastal water and surf, while adults form schools in open water. It hunts small fish and invertebrates and is a valued sport and food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Australian dart?
The Australian dart has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep, laterally flattened and silvery; fast, slender swimmer with a deeply forked tail and often a few dark blotches on the flank.
Where does the Australian dart live?
The Australian dart lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles and the Bay of Biscay to West Africa, and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Australian dart get?
The Australian dart grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Australian dart dangerous to humans?
No, the Australian dart is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Australian dart edible?
Yes, the Australian dart is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Australian dart and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Trachinotus
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the Australian dart?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Australian dart is one of 12,519 species in the app.