Selene vomer (Linnaeus, 1758)
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Selene vomer
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/B. Alenda

Family:  Carangidae (Jacks and pompanos), subfamily: Caranginae
Max. size:  48.3 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 2,100.0 g
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 1 - 53 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Canada (Ref. 5951) to Maine to Florida, USA (possibly from Nova Scotia, Canada), along coasts of central and south America (Ref. 26938) to Uruguay, including Bermuda and Gulf of Mexico (Ref. 9626). Rare in Greater Antilles (Ref. 26938).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23-23; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 18-18. Pelvic fin small.
Biology:  Adults are found in shallow coastal waters, usually over hard or sandy bottoms. Juveniles may be encountered in estuarine areas (Ref. 9626) and off sandy beaches (Ref. 5217). Found in schools, but may be encountered in small groups or in pairs (Ref. 26235). Adults feed on small crabs, shrimps, fishes, and worms. Flesh has excellent flavor (Ref. 5521). Marketed fresh (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 August 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning


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