Fin's Fish Guide
The Banner pompano (Trachinotus goodei) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The great pompano (palometa) is a fast jack of the family Carangidae from the western Atlantic. The species has a deep, silvery body with several narrow dark cross-bars and conspicuously long, sickle-shaped dorsal and anal fin lobes, and reaches about 50 cm. Adults form schools in clear coastal waters near coral formations, while juveniles occur on clean sandy beaches. The diet consists of crustaceans, polychaete worms, molluscs and fishes. The species is of modest commercial importance; larger individuals can carry ciguatera toxin.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banner pompano?
The Banner pompano has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Long, sickle-shaped dorsal and anal fin lobes and narrow dark vertical bars; larger specimens may contain ciguatera.
Where does the Banner pompano live?
The Banner pompano lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic, from the east coast of the USA to Argentina.
How big does the Banner pompano get?
The Banner pompano grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Banner pompano dangerous to humans?
The Banner pompano is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Harmless to handle. In some areas there are reports of ciguatera poisoning after eating it, especially larger individuals: in case of symptoms such as tingling, nausea, vomiting or a reversed hot-cold sensation, seek medical help and keep any leftover material.
Is the Banner pompano edible?
The Banner pompano is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 Banner pompano?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banner pompano is one of 12,519 species in the app.