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Atlantic pomfret (Brama brama) — Bramidae

Atlantic pomfret

Brama brama
Family: Bramidae
LC · Least Concern

The Atlantic pomfret (Brama brama) is a saltwater fish of the family Bramidae that grows up to 100 cm.

Length
100 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–1000.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Atlantic pomfret is a deep-bodied oceanic fish of the family Bramidae reaching about 100 cm. The strongly compressed body is dark, almost black, with a metallic sheen, large eyes and an obliquely upturned mouth; the dorsal and anal fins are long and sickle-shaped. The species lives oceanically in temperate and subtropical seas worldwide, including the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, ranging from the surface to hundreds of metres. It makes seasonal and vertical migrations and hunts fish, squid and crustaceans. In summer it moves northward and is sometimes found as far as the North Sea. It is a valued food fish.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Atlantic pomfret?

The Atlantic pomfret has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Atlantic pomfret live?

The Atlantic pomfret lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Atlantic pomfret get?

The Atlantic pomfret grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.

Is the Atlantic pomfret dangerous to humans?

No, the Atlantic pomfret is harmless to humans.

Is the Atlantic pomfret edible?

Yes, the Atlantic pomfret is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Atlantische braam sourced
English name
Atlantic pomfret verified
Scientific name
Brama brama
Family
Bramidae
Other names
Angel fish; Angelfish; Atlantic Pomfret; Atlantic pomfret verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
100.0 verified
Average length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1000.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore verified
Social behaviour
Schooling verified
Territorial
No verified
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No verified
levensduur_max_jaar
9.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten verified
Fishing method
Sportvissen met kunstaas of (dood/levend) aasvis door te trollen, te werpen of drijvend te vissen in open water. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Brama

More from the family Bramidae

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