The black pomfret (Parastromateus niger) represents a significant species within the Carangidae family, primarily inhabiting the reefs of the 🌊 Indian Ocean and the western 🌊 Pacific Ocean. This species holds considerable importance to local fisheries and is distinctive as the sole member of its genus.
First described scientifically by Marcus Elieser Bloch in his seminal work, "Allgemeine Naturgeschichte der Fische," the etymology of Parastromateus niger stems from the Greek "Para" (beside) and "stromateus" (a fish with a flattened, colorful body).
The black pomfret is characterized by its compressed, deep body with equally convex dorsal and ventral profiles. Its small, dark grey scales cover the entire body. The standard fork length of this species is typically around 30 cm, with some specimens reaching up to 75 cm.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the black pomfret exhibits singular rows of conical teeth, with its gill openings being non-restrictive both laterally and ventrally. The dorsal fins consist of four to five short spines, which become indistinct in adulthood, alongside two additional spines on the anal fins. The second dorsal and anal fins share an almost identical profile with broad rounded anterior lobes, and pelvic fins are absent in specimens exceeding 10 centimeters. Adult black pomfrets display colors ranging from silvery-grey to bluish-brown. Occasionally, they appear yellowish-brown due to the absence of deciduous scales. The fins bear dark edges, while juveniles feature dark vertical bars and elongated black jugular pelvic fins.
Geographically, the black pomfret is dispersed across regions such as 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇲🇿 Mozambique, 🇰🇪 Kenya, the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, 🌊 Persian Gulf, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, the 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇨🇳 China, southern 🇯🇵 Japan, and 🇦🇺 Australia. This pelagic species typically inhabits depths between 15–40 meters but can also be found as deep as 105 meters, residing on the seafloor during daylight and surfacing at night.
The dietary habits of the black pomfret are diverse. Research conducted by Steven Dadzie from Kuwait University highlights that in Kuwaiti waters, their diet comprises mainly Bacillariophyceae, fish eggs and larvae, and crustaceans. The latter group includes copepods, brachyuran zoeae, shrimp post-larvae, and penaeids.
Black pomfrets are vulnerable to parasites, notably the isopod Cymothea eremita, which adversely impacts their growth, diet, and overall health. Furthermore, they are occasionally affected by Saddleback Syndrome, a deformity of the dorsal fin, with potential causes being pollution, nutritional deficiency, or genetic mutation, though conclusive evidence is yet to be determined.
While the reproductive habits and lifespan of the black pomfret remain largely unexplored, estimates suggest a lifespan of up to seven years. However, more research is required to ascertain their maximum age and reproductive characteristics.
Culinary-wise, the black pomfret is esteemed for its mild flavor and minimal bones, making it suitable for various cooking methods including steaming, poaching, deep frying, pan frying, grilling, smoking, barbecuing, pickling, or serving raw. Remarkably popular in Asia, it was reported that 74,607 tonnes of black pomfret were harvested in 2016.
Why it's threatened
Threat classification from the IUCN Red List.
