African pompano

Shoemaker
Photo Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles
Family Jacks, scads, and allies
Scientific Family Carangidae
Scientific Name Alectis ciliaris
Spanish Name Flechudo
ITIS# 168602
Tail shape Forked

Silvery with light metallic bluish tinge dorsally; a small dark diffuse spot on upper end of gill opening; juveniles with 5 chevron-shaped bars on body.


Biology

Found in open ocean waters but also closer to shore, and sometimes near the sea bottom. Small juveniles may be found near the shore; adults near bottom to depths of 180 feet (60 m). Feed on immobile or slow moving crustaceans and occasionally feed on small crabs and fishes.

Appearance

Body Shape
Compressiform
Color
Main Color: Silver
Other Color:
Common Body Shape
Flattened side to side


Pattern
None
Length
Avg Length: 40 inches (100 cm)
Max Length: 60 inches (150 cm)
Maximum Weight
50.4 lbs (22900 g)




Specifications

Handling Concerns
Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Conservation Concerns
None
Range in USA
MA-TX


Abundance
Uncommon


Other Species from same Family