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Black pomfret (Taractes rubescens) — Bramidae

Black pomfret

Taractes rubescens
Family: Bramidae
LC · Least Concern

The Black pomfret (Taractes rubescens) is a saltwater fish of the family Bramidae that grows up to 89 cm.

Length
89 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–600.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Worldwide in tropical and temperate oceans.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The pomfret is an oceanic fish of the family Bramidae (pomfrets) found worldwide in tropical and temperate waters. The species reaches about 89 cm and has a deep, compressed, dark body with stout, keeled scales along the lateral line that form a ridge. Adults live from shallow water to about 600 m deep well offshore and are often solitary. The diet consists of fishes, squid and crustaceans. The species is regularly caught as bycatch and eaten. Owing to its wandering, oceanic habits it is not often seen.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black pomfret?

The Black pomfret has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Sturdy, keel-shaped scales along the lateral line; oceanic wanderer.

Where does the Black pomfret live?

The Black pomfret lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Worldwide in tropical and temperate oceans.

How big does the Black pomfret get?

The Black pomfret grows to a maximum of about 89 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Black pomfret dangerous to humans?

No, the Black pomfret is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Black pomfret edible?

Yes, the Black pomfret is commonly eaten.

More photos

Black pomfret (Taractes rubescens) — Bramidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Black pomfret (Taractes rubescens) — Bramidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — after Masuda et al., 1984; drawing by P. Lastrico. (CC BY 3.0)
Black pomfret (Taractes rubescens) — Bramidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Howard Horne, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Black pomfret (Taractes rubescens) — Bramidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Black pomfret verified
Scientific name
Taractes rubescens
Family
Bramidae
Other names
Dark pomfret; Keeltail pomfret; Knifetail pomfret; Pomfret verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
89.0 verified
Average length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
600.0 verified
Natural range
Worldwide in tropical and temperate oceans. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Fishes, squid and crustaceans sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Sturdy, keel-shaped scales along the lateral line; oceanic wanderer. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Taractes

More from the family Bramidae

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