About Trachinotus blochii (Lacepède, 1801)
Trachinotus blochii has a fusiform, streamlined, torpedo-like body that is elongated, which reduces drag for burst swimming—an adaptation for evading predators. Its coloration is another anti-predator adaptation: the darker dorsal side camouflages the fish when viewed from above, while the lighter ventral (abdominal) side helps it blend in when viewed from below. Its overall yellow coloration gives it the common name "golden". Females are typically larger than males; one study recorded females as 17% larger than males after the fish reach 7 months of age. Adults measure 40–65 cm (16–26 in) in length, and typically weigh around 3.4 kg (7.5 lb). This species is metabolically active and swims continuously, so it requires a high-energy diet. Trachinotus blochii occurs across a range from the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and eastern Africa to the central Pacific Ocean, extending as far north as Japan and as far south as the coast of southern New South Wales. Golden pompano are pelagic fish associated with rocky reefs, coral reefs, and inshore habitats. They live in warm waters between 25–29°C, at depths of 7–55 m (23–180 ft), and can inhabit brackish water. This species is sexually dimorphic. While males and females have similar coloration, they have different growth rates: females typically mature and grow faster than males. The life cycle starts when females release eggs into offshore waters. The eggs are approximately 1 mm (0.039 in) in diameter, and they usually hatch within 24 hours. After hatching, larvae undergo metamorphosis to develop into the juvenile form, a process that takes around 15 days to complete. Juveniles are found in offshore sandy areas.
