Pompano (Sonaf)

Introduction

Pompano or Sonaf looks like white pomfret and is often faked as white pomfret by local shops and street vendors. Perhaps very few people know about pompano but it’s a famous fish worldwide especially in the USA.

Although pompano – sonaf is not very abundant in the Arabian sea, it maintains a stable supply and demand curve. Pompano is a great low-budget flatfish for all your culinary needs.

Flavor Profile

The pompano is a medium flavor fish with flesh that holds together very well for all modes of cooking, and its shape fits pans and steamers better than most fish do. The skin is fairly tough and feels a little leathery, but has no strong flavor.

Nomenclature

• English Name: Pompano , Indian Pompano
• Local Name: Sonaf, Sonam
• Scientific Name: Trachinotus mookalee

Habitat

Pompano is a sea fish that lives in shallow coastal waters.

Catching Method

Pompano is caught using Gillnets.

Physical Attributes

Pompano has an incomplete covering of tiny scales that scrape off as a slush without making a mess. The profile of the snout is broadly rounded. The tongue is with a narrow band of teeth. The body is generally smooth and flat.

Color

Pompano is typically overall silvery in color, sometimes with dark or yellowish fins, and one or a few black markings on the side of their body.

Size

On average, the Pompano size range is 300 to 2000 grams per fish. However, other sizes are also occasionally available.

Cutting Preferences

Pompano is preferred for gutted cut, Slices, and Fillet

Approx. Cutting Yields

Whole: 100 %
Gutted: 90%
Headless and Gutted: 70%
Slices: 70%
Boneless: 45 %

Cooking Preferences

Pompano is preferred to fry, grill, bbq, and steam

Health Benefits

• Heart friendly
• Lowers Blood Pressure
• Improves Immune System
• Strengthens the bones
• Improves Skin and Hair health