Fish Identification Photos: Blackblotch Pompano, Silver Pompano, Trachinotus kennedyi: The Blackblotch Pompano is one of the rarer species in Mexican waters and is a member of the Carangidae or Jack Family.

The Blackblotch Pompano is characterized by a deep, silver body with a golden-bronze tinge, a deep rounded head, a lateral line that is slightly arched over the pectoral region, and a very characteristic large black blotch on the inner pectoral fin base (as pictured below) which is a key to its identification. The Blackblotch Pompano can be easily confused with the Paloma Pompano, Trachinotus paitensis (which is more aerodynamic and does not have the black blotch on the inner pectoral fin base).

The Blackblotch Pompano is pelagic and found in Mexican waters south of Guerrero Negro on the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula, in the Sea of Cortez South of the Loreto–Guaymas line, and along the mainland. It is found in the first 75 feet of the water column over sandy bottoms.

The Blackblotch Pompano is reported to reach a length of 28 inches but is normally in the 14 to 16 inch range. It is viewed by locals as excellent table fare.

Blackblotch Pompano, Trachinotus kennedyi: Caught at Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Photo courtesy Gary Graham, Baja On The Fly. Fish identification courtesy John Snow.