Taractichthys steindachneri

Description

Taractichthys steindachneri (sickle pomfret) is a species of pomfret, family Bramidae, found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Sickle pomfrets are common bycatch in pelagic fisheries. They are often caught near seamounts. They are a minor commercially landed species. Sickle pomfrets are known as "monchong" in Hawaii, where they are popular in restaurants. Sickle pomfrets have a widely forked tail, with a clear to white trailing edge. The body shape is compressed laterally, and they have a very rounded facial profile. Their pelvic fins are small and dark black, with a small brilliant, opalescent white tip. Juvenniles of this species have a single prominent raised nub in the each scale along the sides of the body.