Fin's Fish Guide
The Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 64 cm.
Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, in the sandy surf zone, along beaches and in shallow coastal water.
Description
The Florida pompano is a deep, strongly compressed jack of the family Carangidae reaching about 64 cm but usually smaller. The silvery body has a yellow-tinged belly, throat and fins and a deeply forked tail that allows high speed. The species hunts in the sandy surf, along beaches and in shallow coastal water of the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, where with its blunt mouth it takes shellfish, amphipods, small crabs and worms from the bottom. It migrates along the coast with the seasons. Because of its exceptionally tasty flesh it is among the most valued sport and market fish of the American coast and fetches high prices.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Florida pompano?
The Florida pompano has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep-bodied, strongly laterally flattened jack with a deeply forked tail and yellow-tinted belly and fins; a fast surf hunter.
Where does the Florida pompano live?
The Florida pompano lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, in the sandy surf zone, along beaches and in shallow coastal water.
How big does the Florida pompano get?
The Florida pompano grows to a maximum of about 64 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Florida pompano dangerous to humans?
No, the Florida pompano is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Florida pompano edible?
Yes, the Florida pompano is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Trachinotus
More from the family Carangidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Florida pompano is one of 12,519 species in the app.