African pompano (Alectis ciliaris) is a saltwater species recorded in Hong Kong, United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 60–100 m. The main season in Hong Kong, United States runs all year.
Scientific name: Alectis ciliaris · Water: Saltwater · Season: All year
Size: up to 150 cm
Weight: up to 22.9 kg
The African pompano is a tropical jack of the genus Alectis, best told from its relatives by the concave profile of the head around the eyes; juveniles carry long trailing filaments on the dorsal and anal fins that mimic jellyfish and are thought to deter predators. Adults favour coastal water shallower than 100 m and work the water column over reefs and wrecks, while the young are pelagic and drift with the currents; it feeds on slow-moving crustaceans and occasionally on small crabs and fishes. In the United States there is a strong recreational fishery in Florida, and abundance off North Carolina is known to jump after a hurricane passes through; the 1990 IGFA all-tackle world record of 22.90 kg came from Daytona Beach, Florida, where the state sets a 24-inch minimum and a two-fish-per-vessel daily limit. Locally it is called the African pompano or pennant-fish, and it is fished mainly in summer and autumn from boats or with heavy shore tackle and 50-lb line to keep it clear of the rocks. Maximum about 150 cm total length, with American sources confirming 130 cm. IUCN lists it as Least Concern.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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