Flathead Pomfret, Taractes asper Lowe, 1843

Scientific name: Taractes asper
Flathead Pomfret, Taractes asper Click to enlarge image
A Flathead Pomfret caught on hook and line off Eden, New South Wales, February 2001. Image: Ian Merrington
© Ian Merrington/DPI Fisheries

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Taractes
    Species
    asper
    Family
    Bramidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to at least 50 cm in length.

Introduction

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

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.

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.

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.