Atlantic Pomfret

Identification

The Atlantic pomfret is a striking deep-sea fish of 40-60 cm (maximum 100 cm) with a deep, diamond-shaped body that is strongly laterally compressed. The eyes are large — an adaptation to life in deep, dark water. The back is dark brown to black, the flanks silvery with a bronze sheen. The dorsal and anal fins are tall and sickle-shaped.

Ecology

An oceanic fish living in the open Atlantic at 100-400 meters depth. Rises to shallower water at night to hunt fish, squid, and crustaceans. A powerful swimmer covering large distances.

In the Netherlands

Rarely found in the North Sea. Specimens occasionally wash up on beaches after storms or are caught by commercial fishermen in deeper waters.