Fin's Fish Guide
The Chinese silver pomfret (Pampus chinensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Stromateidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Asia: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, India and others
Description
The Chinese silver pomfret is a butterfish (Stromateidae) from coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a deep, almost circular, strongly compressed, mirror-silver body without pelvic fins and with sickle-shaped fins. It swims in schools in turbid coastal water and eats jellyfish, small zooplankton and small invertebrates. It is a highly valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chinese silver pomfret?
The Chinese silver pomfret has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Chinese silver pomfret live?
The Chinese silver pomfret lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, India and others
How big does the Chinese silver pomfret get?
The Chinese silver pomfret grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Chinese silver pomfret dangerous to humans?
No, the Chinese silver pomfret is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Chinese silver pomfret edible?
Yes, the Chinese silver pomfret is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pampus
More from the family Stromateidae
Want the complete picture on the Chinese silver pomfret?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chinese silver pomfret is one of 12,519 species in the app.