Pompano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pompano |
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The pompano (scientific name: Trachinotus ovatus) is a cool type of fish. It is also known as the derbio or silverfish. This fish belongs to the family called Carangidae, which includes jacks. Pompano fish have big, strong fins.
You can find them often in the Mediterranean Sea. They also live in the Atlantic Ocean. Their range goes from the British Isles and Scandinavia down to the Gulf of Guinea and Angola. Sometimes, they wander far from their usual homes.
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About the Pompano Fish
The pompano fish has a long body. It is also quite flat from side to side. Its main color is silver, with a greenish back.
Physical Features
The tail fin of the pompano is clearly split, like a fork. This tail fin has black edges. It also has a white spot on its top half. The fins on its back and belly have black spots too.
Along the middle of its sides, you can see three to five black spots. These spots help to identify the fish.
Size and Weight
This fish can grow up to about 70 centimeters (2.3 feet) long. However, most pompano are usually around 35 centimeters (14 inches) long. They can weigh as much as 2.8 kilograms (6.2 pounds).
Where Pompano Live
The pompano fish lives in the eastern part of the Atlantic Ocean. You can find them from the Bay of Biscay down to Angola. They are sometimes seen near Britain and Scandinavia, but this is rare.
Ocean Homes
Their main home is the Mediterranean Sea. They live in coastal waters near Spain. You can also find them in the Ligurian Sea, the southern Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Adriatic Sea. They are also in the Aegean Sea and the Levantine Sea near Egypt. Interestingly, they don't seem to live in the northern Adriatic Sea.
Island Locations
Pompano also live near islands like Macaronesia. This includes places like the Azores and Canary Islands. They are also found near mid-Atlantic islands such as St Helena and Ascension Island.
Pompano's Home and Habits
Adult pompano fish are often found in shallow waters. They like areas where waves are breaking. They prefer clear water with sandy or muddy bottoms. Sometimes, they even live in lagoons and river mouths.
Social Life
Pompano are social fish. They like to swim together in groups called schools. Smaller pompano are often caught at night. They are usually found near steep, rocky shores.
What Pompano Eat
Adult pompano eat different kinds of small sea creatures.
- They munch on small crustaceans, like tiny crabs or shrimp.
- They also eat molluscs, such as small snails or clams.
- Sometimes, they eat smaller fish too.
Reproduction and Depth
Pompano lay eggs that float in the water. They usually lay their eggs during the summer. These fish can be found at depths between 50 meters (164 feet) and 200 meters (656 feet). They sometimes gather around fish farms. They do this to eat the food pellets that fall through the nets.
Pompano and People
Pompano fish are caught by people for food. They are also raised in special fish farms. This is called aquaculture.
Public Aquariums
Pompano are also popular fish to see in public aquariums. People enjoy watching them swim.
