Animal Species:Flathead Pomfret, Taractes asper Lowe, 1843

As its standard name implies, the Flathead Pomfret has a flattened head.  The species occurs in most oceans.

Flathead Pomfret, Taractes asper

Flathead Pomfret, Taractes asper
Ian Merrington © NSW DPI Fisheries

Identification

The Flathead Pomfret has a broad head, the top profile of which is straight or only slightly arched when viewed from the side. The large eyes are positioned close to the top margin of the head. This species is silvery when alive but fades to dark brown, grey or black after capture.

Size range

The species grows to at least 50 cm in length.

Distribution

The Flathead Pomfret occurs in most oceans. In Australia it is known from south-eastern Australian waters, from the central coast of New South Wales to off southern Tasmania.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums.  Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Taractes asper

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Flathead Pomfret specimens in the Australian Museums.

What does this mean?

Classification

Species:
asper
Genus:
Taractes
Family:
Bramidae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Last, P. & M. Baron. 1994. Pomfret Resources of Australia. Australian Fisheries. August 1994. Supplement. Pp. 6.
  2. Mead, G.W. 1972. Bramidae. Dana Report 81: Pp. 166.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Flathead Pomfret, Taractes asper, Bramidae, flattened head, broad head, large eys, silver, 30 cm - 1 m, marine,