African Pompano

African Pompano: Powerful Fighters

Description

The African Pompano is a tropical fish that is found worldwide. They are awesome fighters with powerful strokes.

Also known as the pennant-fish or threadfin trevally, the African Pompano, (Alectis ciliaris), is a widely distributed tropical marine fish in the Jack family, Carangidae. The species is found in most tropical waters worldwide. Adults often inhabit coastlines while juveniles are usually pelagic, floating with ocean currents.

Habitat and Location

The African Pompano inhabits the tropical waters of the world. They prefer water temperatures between 65º F and 80º F and are most often found in coastal waterways. They have been caught on the east and west coast of the US, South America, and Africa. They have been found in the Indian Ocean as well as Asia, Australia and several Pacific Islands.

The adult African Pompano is very similar in appearance to the other members of the Genus Alectis, where a trained eye is needed to separate the three. However the juveniles are easily identified due to their long, filamentous dorsal and anal fin tips, which are thought to discourage predators. The species reside in depths less than 100 m (328 ft). It consumes a range of crustaceans and small fishes.

A Game Fish

This species is of minor economic importance and often taken amongst other tropical mid water fishes by hook and line while juveniles are occasionally caught in beach seines. It is considered one of the strongest Jacks and highly rated game fish. The African Pompano is an awesome fighter with a swift, powerful strike. The beautiful silver and blue fish will usually head straight for obstructions on the seabed when hooked.