Appearance
- Dark greenish-gray on back, shading to silver sides
- Yellowish coloration on belly
- Fish found in dark waters have yellow on throat, pelvic fins and anal fin
- Dorsal fin begins in front of anal fin
- Dorsal, anal and caudal fins are short and upright
- Forehead slopes gently backward
- Deep, compressed body with a small mouth
- Caudal fin with a wider fork than permit
Similar Species: Permit, T. falcatus (dorsal fin begins over the anal fin and grow much larger than Florida pompano)
Size: Up to 24 inches (8 pounds)
Habitat
Inshore and nearshore waters, especially along sandy beaches, oyster bars and over seagrass beds, often in turbid water. Found in water as deep as 130 feet.
Behavior
Spawn offshore March to September.
Feeds on mollusks and crustaceans, especially sand fleas.
Local movements are influenced by the tide, and seasonal movements are influenced by temperature.
Additional Information
State Record: 8 lb 4 oz, caught near Port St. Joe
Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles