Fin's Fish Guide
The Longfin pompano (Trachinotus goreensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, in the surf of sandy beaches, coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The longfin pompano is a deep, silvery jack of the family Carangidae reaching about 60 cm. The strongly compressed, silvery body has elongated, sickle-shaped front lobes on the dorsal and anal fins, a deeply forked tail and a blunt snout. The species lives in the turbulent surf of sandy beaches, in coastal water and estuaries along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water. In the surf it searches with its strong jaws for shellfish, small crustaceans and worms, picking them from the churned-up sand. With its tasty flesh the longfin pompano is a valued commercial fish and a fast, hard-fighting sport fish for surf anglers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Longfin pompano?
The Longfin pompano has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep, silvery small horse mackerel with elongated, sickle-shaped dorsal and anal fin lobes and a deeply forked tail.
Where does the Longfin pompano live?
The Longfin pompano lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, in the surf of sandy beaches, coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Longfin pompano get?
The Longfin pompano grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Longfin pompano dangerous to humans?
No, the Longfin pompano is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Longfin pompano edible?
Yes, the Longfin pompano is a highly prized food fish.
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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 Longfin pompano?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longfin pompano is one of 12,519 species in the app.