Pompano dolphinfish
📖 Overview
Primarily an oceanic species but may enter coastal waters . Usually forms schools. Follows boats and may be found under floating objects . Feeds on small fishes and squid . Eggs and larvae are pelagic . Marketed fresh and considered an excellent food fish . An important game fish in northern South America .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 52 - 59; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 24 - 28; Vertebrae: 33. Body elongated and compressed, its depth contained less than 4.0 times in standard length (adults); tongue with a wide tooth patch covering 50 to 60 percent of its surface; dorsal fin originating on nape, almost reaching caudal fin, with 48 to 55 rays; anterior distal edge of anal fin convex; pectoral fins located near middle of head; body shiny blue green, changing to gray with green tints after death; flanks with golden highlights and numerous diffuse black stains . Greatest body depth more than 25% of SL; tooth patch on tongue broad and square; single dorsal fin extending from just behind eye almost to caudal fin, with 52-59 rays; a convex anal fin extending from anus almost to caudal fin; pectoral fin about half of head length . Caudal vertebrae usually 20. . Color in life brilliant metallic blue-green dorsally, fading to grey with green tinge upon death; sides silvery with golden sheen and spots; dorsal fin dark; juveniles with entire caudal fin margin white. Head profile of large adults (30-200 cm.) becomes vertical with the development of bony crest, but more in males.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pompano dolphinfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 400 m . Subtropical; 24°C - ? ; 48°N - 48°S, 180°W - 180°E
🌿 Ecology
small fishes and squid (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coryphaena aurata | Rafinesque | 1810 | Synonym |
| Coryphaena azorica | Valenciennes | 1833 | Synonym |
| Coryphaena equisetis | Osbeck | 1765 | Heterotypic |
| Coryphaena lessonii | Valenciennes | 1833 | Synonym |
| Coryphaena socialis | Bennett | 1840 | Synonym |
| Coryphena aurata | Rafinesque | 1810 | Synonym |
| Lampugus neapolitanus | Valenciennes | 1833 | Synonym |
| Lampugus punctulatus | Valenciennes | 1833 | Synonym |
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 89 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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