The African Pompano (Alectis ciliaris) belongs to the Carangidae or jack family. They are also commonly known as pennant-fish or thread fin trevally. African Pompano are one of the strongest from the larger sized jacks, and are considered a highly rated game fish. Read more to find out more about this species.
Appearance
Their body is a silvery-metallic blue color, with the darkest tones around the head and upper shoulders, and lighter along the belly. They can be easily distinguished by the concave shape of their head near the eyes. Their dorsal and ventral profiles are equally convex. The small pelagic juveniles have long trailing filaments on their dorsal and anal fins which look like jellyfish which disappear as they age. This resemblance to jellyfish, may gain them some protection from predators, which include sharks, mackerel and tuna.
Habitat
They can be found in tropical waters (in the range of 65 to 80F) worldwide. While juveniles can be found in the deep ocean floating with ocean currents, the adults often inhabit coastal waterways, deep reefs and wrecks in depths less than 100 meters. Typically, they can be found on the east and west coast of the US, South America, and Africa, as well as the Indian Ocean, Asia, Australia and several Pacific Islands.
How to Catch an African Pompano
African Pompano’s diet consists of a range of crustaceans and small fishes, including shrimp, squid and live pilchards. So small, live bait tend to work best by hook and line methods. However, if using lures, jigs or streamers are often used around wrecks and deep reefs. Even when targeted, African Pompano do not often make up a large percentage of catches.
Like other jacks, they are a strong fish for their size. Once hooked, you can expect an an African Pompano to yank downwards and turn sideways, making it harder to reel them in.
Can you eat African Pompano?
Yes, and they are delicious. They have a buttery mid and sweet taste, similar to mahi-mahi or snapper, and its flesh is white and finely flaked. They are often described as the “most edible fish” as their skin doesn’t require scaling.
Fishing Packages in Panama
African Pompano are one of the many types of fish you can catch in Panama. Book your next trip with us for your chance to land yourself an African Pompano in the tropical waters of Panama! Check out our fishing packages, email us at panamanauticalclub@gmail.com or call +1 800 507 1246 for more info on availabilities.
