Home · Carangidae · Paloma pompano
Paloma pompano (Trachinotus paitensis) — Carangidae

Paloma pompano

Trachinotus paitensis
Family: Carangidae
LC · Least Concern

The Paloma pompano (Trachinotus paitensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 51 cm.

Length
51 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–100.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The paloma pompano is a jack (family Carangidae) of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 51 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with a deeply forked tail. Adults live in coastal waters and usually form schools over shallow, sandy areas just off the shore. They feed on molluscs, crustaceans, other invertebrates and small fishes. The species is known as an excellent food fish and is a prized sport fish. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Paloma pompano?

The Paloma pompano has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Paloma pompano live?

The Paloma pompano lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Paloma pompano get?

The Paloma pompano grows to a maximum of about 51 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Paloma pompano dangerous to humans?

No, the Paloma pompano is harmless to humans.

Is the Paloma pompano edible?

Yes, the Paloma pompano is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Paloma-pompano sourced
English name
Paloma pompano verified
Scientific name
Trachinotus paitensis
Family
Carangidae
Other names
Paloma pompano; Pompano verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
51.0 verified
Average length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
100.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Werpen met klein kunstaas of natuurlijk aas in de branding en ondiepe zandgebieden; gewilde sportvis. sourced
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 Trachinotus

More from the family Carangidae

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