Last updated on August 11th, 2022 at 08:59 am
The black pomfret fish, also known as parastromateus niger, is a member of the family Carangidae of perciform fish. It is commonly found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific region and inhabits tide pools or sandy areas where it feeds on invertebrates and small fishes.
This black fish has also been observed hunting insects above the surface of the water, which makes it an exceptional predator at night when its prey can be more active and exposed to predators.
They are found in warm waters throughout the Pacific Ocean, from Japan to South Africa. Black pomfret fish have bodies that are long and streamlined, and their large mouth allows them to consume plankton and small crustaceans efficiently.
Males grow larger than females and can reach up to 30 inches (75 centimeters) in length, while females remain smaller at around 14 inches (35 centimeters). They swim close to the surface of the water but will dive deeper when threatened or when in search of food.
What is pomfret?
A pompret is a perciform fish of the family Bramidae. Within the family, there are 20 different species in seven genera. Several species of this fish provide food to humans, particularly the Brama brama in South Asia
What is a Black Pomfret?
A black pomfret belongs to the family Carangidae, and is native to reefs of the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is the only known species in its genus and is very important to local fisheries.
Origin and descriptions
The black pomfret fish, Parastromateus niger, is native to the Indian Ocean, Arabian, and African coasts, and grows up to 6 pounds in weight. It’s an omnivore that feeds on algae, small invertebrates, and plants.
It has been introduced elsewhere, including in Western Australia and parts of South America. The black pomfret lives in depths from 3 to 50 meters (9.8–164 ft). Juveniles inhabit estuaries where they are often preyed upon by larger fish, but as adults, they are seldom attacked except by tiger sharks.
Their coloring varies from black to brownish-black with white spots on their dorsal and caudal fins. The darker the fish’s coloration, the older it is and the rarer it will be among collectors because of its perceived higher value on the market.
Species profile
The black pomfret fish belong to the family of Carangidae. They are also known as black kingfish and have many other names in different languages. They are found in tropical oceans, mainly in Africa and India. They usually live at depths of 20–50 m (66–164 ft). Adults can grow up to 75 cm (30 inches) long, but rarely exceed 80 cm (31 in).
Scientific name
The scientific name of the black pomfret fish is Parastromateus niger
Habitat
In addition to its distribution and abundance in the ocean, the black pomfret fish is found around the world, including in the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Gulf, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, southern Japan, and Australia.
Size
On average, black pomfret fish can grow up to 75 cm (30 inches) in length.
Tank size
If you are trying to keep the black pomfret indoor, they’ll need a minimum tank size of 300 gallons (1136 liters).
Black pomfret fish care
Black pomfrets are extremely hardy and can be cared for easily. They will eat a variety of different food items including a regular fish diet, as well as prepared foods for omnivores like shrimp and plant matter. Their tank does not need to be particularly large, but filtration is important to prevent water quality from degrading over time.
It’s also important to note that they are social animals and should always be kept in groups of at least three individuals. This species has been known to live up to 20 years when given proper care, so plan accordingly!
What they eat
Black pomfrets are carnivores. Their diet is mostly composed of benthic invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and polychaetes.
They also eat shrimp, worms, small fish, and plankton. They can crush shells with their teeth if they needed to but usually will try to find food elsewhere.
Black pomfret fish facts
Is black pomfret good for health?
Yes. The pomfret fish is high in Vitamin D and contains a lot of minerals like Iron, Zinc, Iodine, and Selenium. Moreover, it is a good source of vitamins that can help maintain the health of the body. It is extremely healthy, delicious, and full of many nutritional benefits.
They are extremely nutritious and can be eaten cooked or as a dried snack, owing to their low-calorie content. If you’re looking for a new protein-rich addition to your diet, why not try eating some black pomfret fish? There are many reasons why it could be good for your health.
Is pomfret easy to digest?
Often, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid oily fish because they are known to contain high levels of mercury. However, pomfret does not contain high amounts of mercury, making it easy to digest for pregnant women. It’s recommended to only eat one or two servings per week because of its high-fat content.
After eating, some women have reported experiencing diarrhea and abdominal pain. So next time you go out for dinner, opt for pomfret as an appetizer and enjoy every bite!
Is black pomfret tasty?
The black pomfret is considered to be one of, if not the best tasting freshwater fish in all of Africa. The meat is white and firm, almost as hard as flounder. In terms of taste, they have a delicious flavor similar to sea bass and halibut, but with more succulence and less grease. You can prepare black pomfret just like other types of fish; it’s usually pan-fried or baked in foil with butter or lemon juice.
Is black pomfret high in mercury?
Like many fish, black pomfret fish contains mercury. Mercury is a neurotoxin that causes damage to the brain and nerve cells. However, there is little evidence that suggests that mercury in black pomfret affects people negatively or has any adverse health effects on humans. The general consensus among scientists seems to be that mercury levels in black pomfret are not enough to cause health issues.
Is pomfret rich in omega-3?
Yes, black pomfret fish is rich in omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oil, krill oil, and other sources. The health benefits of these fatty acids include a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and increased cognitive function. It’s best to get your omega-3 fatty acids from food rather than supplements. But if you do take supplements, make sure they’re free of mercury and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls).
Does black pomfret have scales?
There are several different types of scales that fish have. Generally, though, most species of fish do have some sort of scale. In the case of black pomfret fish (Parastromateus niger), they have cycloid scales. These are small and thin, but they are present all over their bodies.
Is pomfret good for thyroid?
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that eating fish two or more times a week can help reduce thyroid disease risk. This is primarily because fish, particularly pomfret, is rich in selenium—an essential mineral that helps regulate metabolism and thyroid function. A 1-oz serving of black pomfret contains 23 percent of your daily recommended intake of selenium!
Also, It is a good source of calcium, vitamins A and D, as well as B vitamins, such as Vitamin B12, which is important to the nervous system.
It also offers iodine, which is vital for the thyroid gland. Besides being a good brain food, the pomfret helps your eyesight, skin, and hair health.