Pompano
Deep-bodied marine fish in the genus Trachinotus.
Pompanos are marine fish in the genus Trachinotus, part of the family Carangidae. They inhabit warmer seas worldwide and sometimes enter brackish waters. Valued as food and game fish, they feature deep bodies and silvery scales.
- Found in warmer seas worldwide
- Can grow up to 1.2 metres long
- Toothless with deep, silvery bodies
- Valued as both food and game fish
- Two US Navy submarines named after them
What it is
Pompanos belong to the genus Trachinotus within the family Carangidae. These marine fish display a deep body with strong lateral compression. Their faces are rounded, and the front of their dorsal profile curves noticeably. The ventral side is straighter, tapering to a narrow tail base. Dorsal and anal fins are sickle shaped with long leading rays. The tail is deeply forked. Most individuals are silvery, occasionally showing dark or yellowish fins and black side markings. They lack teeth and can grow up to 1.2 metres long, though many species remain smaller.
Where it lives
These fish inhabit warmer seas across the globe. While primarily marine, they sometimes venture into brackish environments where fresh and salt water mix. Their distribution spans tropical and subtropical regions, allowing them to thrive in various coastal habitats. They are not restricted to a single ocean basin but are found in suitable warm waters worldwide.
How it lives
Pompanos are relatively large fish that swim in marine environments. Their body shape suggests they are built for speed and manoeuvrability in open water. As toothless fish, they likely feed on soft prey or small organisms, though specific dietary habits are not detailed here. They may form schools, typical of many carangid species, aiding in protection and foraging efficiency in their coastal and offshore habitats.
Breeding and life cycle
Information regarding specific spawning seasons, egg development, or juvenile growth patterns is not provided in the available material.
Fish and people
Most of the twenty one recognized species are prized as food fish. Anglers also target them, with the permit considered a notable game fish. The United States Navy honoured this group by naming two submarines after them: USS Pompano and USS Permit. This reflects their cultural recognition beyond just culinary value, highlighting their status in maritime tradition.
Status and threats
Individual species may face varying pressures from fishing, but no specific threats or protection measures are outlined here.
Questions people ask about Pompano
What kind of fish is a pompano?
Pompanos are marine fish in the genus Trachinotus, part of the family Carangidae. They are deep-bodied, silvery fish found in warmer seas around the world.
How big do pompanos get?
They can reach lengths of up to 1.2 metres (3.9 feet). However, most species typically grow to only half or two-thirds of that maximum size.
Are pompanos good to eat?
Yes, most of the twenty one recognized species are valued as food fish. They are also popular with anglers, with some species like the permit considered prime game fish.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Pompano", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
Like Pompano
All perches, basses and snappers
🇺🇸 United States and 4 moreMutton snapper
A colourful Atlantic reef fish prized for its meat.Perch-like · Coasts and shelves · 1828
WorldBluefin trevally
Large tropical marine predator with electric blue finsPerch-like · Coasts and shelves · 1833
North AmericaNassau grouper
A large reef fish critical to Caribbean fisheries now facing extinction risks.Perch-like · Coral reefs
OceaniaBanded archerfish
A silvery fish that spits water jets to catch prey.Perch-like · Estuaries and mangroves · 1767
