The Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) is a marine fish recognized for its appealing appearance. This species is a member of the jack family (Carangidae) and is commonly sought after by both recreational and commercial fishers. Understanding its visual characteristics helps in identifying this popular fish.
Distinctive Body Features
The Florida pompano exhibits a striking coloration that aids in its identification. Its dorsal, or upper, side typically appears dark greenish-gray, which transitions smoothly into silvery sides. The belly and fins, including the pelvic and anal fins, often display a yellowish or golden hue, particularly in fish found in darker waters. Some individuals may even show orange pigments on their fin tips and undersides.
Its fins are distinctive. It possesses a deeply forked caudal fin, or tail, which has a narrow base. The first dorsal fin is low and contains about six separate spines, while the second dorsal fin is short and upright. The anal fin typically has between 20 to 24 rays and is also short and upright.
The pompano’s head features a short, blunt snout and a small mouth. Despite its small mouth, it is a toothless fish. The forehead slopes gently backward, contributing to its streamlined profile. The body surface appears almost scaleless due to its minute, embedded scales that are difficult to see.
Overall Dimensions and Form
The Florida pompano possesses a deep, laterally compressed, or flattened, body structure. Its overall form is often described as oval or sleek, tapering distinctly towards its deeply forked tail. The ventral profile, or underside, is noticeably less curved than its dorsal profile, while the anterior profile is straight-edged.
Typical mature specimens usually measure less than 17 inches (43 cm) and weigh under 3 pounds (1.4 kg). Larger individuals can reach lengths of up to 26 inches (66 cm) and weigh between 8 to 9 pounds (3.6-4.1 kg). Commercially, pompano typically range from 1 to 3 pounds, with a common market size around 1 to 1.5 pounds. Young fish grow relatively fast, reaching about 8 inches by the end of their first year.
Differentiating from Look-Alikes
The Florida pompano is often confused with other similar-looking species, primarily the permit (Trachinotus falcatus) and sometimes the African pompano (Alectis ciliaris).
Permit generally grow significantly larger than Florida pompano, often exceeding 40 pounds, while pompano rarely surpass 7-9 pounds.
Coloration also distinguishes them: Florida pompano typically display yellow on their throat, belly, and pelvic and anal fins. In contrast, small permit may have orange patches on their chins, fins, or bellies, though these can change to yellow as they mature.
The shape of the dorsal fin also differs: the Florida pompano’s second dorsal fin is more upright and shorter, whereas the permit’s is sloped back and larger. The permit’s forehead rises more sharply to a “hump” compared to the pompano’s gently sloping forehead.
African pompano are distinct due to their long, filamentous rays extending from their dorsal and anal fins, especially when young, which tend to recede with age.