Pompano, Florida
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Scientific Name
Trachinotus carolinus
Common Names
Pompano, Carolina pompano
Description
The Florida Pompano has a flattened body with a nearly vertically forked tail and ranges in color from greenish grey to dark blue with yellowish belly and fins. They can also have a golden color splashed across their throats and on some fins. Though not as large as the Permit, the Florida Pompano is still a distinctly beautifully colored fish that becomes more colorful after death.
Habitat & Behaviour
Florida Pompanos can be found within a range of inshore and nearshore waters, though usually they prefer shallow water. Mature Popanos seem to prefer sandy beaches in brackish water and generally travel in large schools. The Florida Pompano is a migratory fish that travels southward in the wintertime.
Natural Prey
The Florida Pompano subsists on a diet of invertebrates and smaller fish, though they favor sand fleas.
Handling Tips
Nothing in particular to harm you. Grab by tail or gaff by head. Be careful of sharp fins on larger fish.
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