Migratory species found along south eastern coast of United States and in Gulf of Mexico.

Young live in upper reaches of shallow coastal waters. Feed on bottom organisms, mainly clams crabs, mussels and shrimps.

Spawning takes place in off shore waters where the ocean currents will take the off springs to the coast.

It is believed to grow about 1 inch monthly. Range of weight is between 1.5 to 3 lbs but can reach up to 6 lbs.

Strong market demand and high prices have suggested for the potential of this species as a candidate species for aquaculture. Even though the full life history has been studies the controlled experiment has not been a success. Main problem exists with the feeding with a poor FCR once it reach 1.5 lbs. Pompano monoculture is not a profitable operation where as the polyculture with shrimp Penaeus vannamei and P. stylirosrtis in Alabama was a success.

Berry, F., and E.S. Iverson. 1966. Pompano: Biology, fisheries and farming potential. Proceedings of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute 19: 116-128.

Iverson E.S., and F.Berry. 1969. Fish monoculture: Progress and potential. Proceedings of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute 21: 163-176.

McMaster, M.F. 1988. Pompano Aquaculture: Past success and present opportunities. Aquaculture Magazine 14(3): 28-34.

Smith, T.I.J. 1973. The commercial feasibility of rearing pompano Trachinotus carolinus (Linnaeus) in cages. Florida Sea Grant Technical Bulletin no. 26. Coral Gables, Florida: University of Miami Sea Grant College Program.

Trimble, W.C 1980. Production trails for monoculture and polyculture for white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) or blue shrimp (P. stylirostris) with Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus in Alabama, 1978-1979. Proceedings of the World Mariculture Society 11: 44-59.