Captive Bred Palometa (Trachinotus goodei)

Description:
Palometa are laterally compressed fish with blunt snouts and small mouths, somewhat resembling piranha. The fish are shiny and silver in color with dark yet faint vertical stripes along their body. Palometa have long ventral and dorsal fins. Occasionally, some Florida pompano have orange pigments on their fin tips and underside. Florida pompano are active swimmers because they have no swim bladder and therefore rely on hydrodynamic lift to maintain position in the water column.

Natural Ecology:
Palometa are primarily a carnivore of small fish, small mollusks, and crustaceans. Naturally forms schools. Juveniles are often found near beaches and in the surf while adults can be seen in a variety of habitats including open ocean, reefs, and beaches.

Indigenous To:
The natural range of the Palometa spans from most of Brazil as far north as the Mid Atlantic North American Coast, but they are most common in the Caribbean. Although abundant in select parts of the Caribbean, in general the Palometa is a rare fish.

Behavior:
This species is not aggressive but is a predator of most invertebrates and small fish.

Compatibility:
Usually ignores corals but will eat fishes and other invertebrates. Palometa grow large – up to 50 cm (20 in).

Food:
specimens have been weaned to take aquarium pellets and flakes. Freshly frozen invertebrates such as ocean plankton, Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped squid will be readily accepted.