Irish Pompano

Diapterus auratus

The Irish Pompano, known scientifically as Diapterus auratus, is a ray-finned fish from the family Gerreidae. It features a rhomboidal, compressed body with a distinctively concave head profile. Its mouth is highly extensible and points downward when protruded, and although it appears toothless, it has tiny brush-like teeth and pointed teeth inside the throat. The Irish Pompano is silvery to olive in color, darker on the upper side, with a thin black edge on its spiny dorsal fin. Juveniles are marked by three narrow vertical dark bars. Adults typically reach a length of 20 cm, though they can grow up to 42.8 cm. This species inhabits the warmer waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, from the southeastern United States to São Paulo, Brazil. It is commonly found in shallow coastal waters, especially in lagoons and mangrove-lined creeks, at depths up to 40 meters. The Irish Pompano feeds primarily on benthic invertebrates, detritus, algae, and cyanobacteria. Juveniles have a more varied diet that includes plant material, nematodes, copepods, and ostracods. Divers encountering the Irish Pompano may observe it in areas with submerged vegetation, where it often exhibits schooling behavior. It is considered to be of Least Concern by the IUCN, though it faces threats from pollution and habitat destruction. In Florida, it is marketed fresh, and up to 100,000 kilograms are sold annually.