Great pompano (Trachinotus goodei) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 0–12 m.
Scientific name: Trachinotus goodei · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 50 cm
The great pompano is a carangid whose adults form schools in clear coastal areas, usually near coral formations, while juveniles are common on clean sandy beaches. Adults feed on crustaceans, polychaete worms, insect pupae, mollusks and fishes. It is recorded from the surface down to 12 m. Maximum length is about 50 cm total length, commonly about 35 cm. It is a minor commercial species, a commercial aquaculture species and a gamefish, with a medium price category. Fishing vulnerability is low to moderate at 32 of 100 and resilience medium. 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.
Back to home · United States · Species library