AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Trachinotus rhodopus
Gafftopsail Pompano
Gill, 1863
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A silvery, deep-bodied fish with a high, falcate dorsal fin, especially pronounced in adults. It has a rounded snout and a relatively small mouth.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Actinopterygii
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Perciformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Carangidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Trachinotus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Gill, 1863
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Summer
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Common in sandy coastal areas and surf zones, often found in shallow, high-energy environments in the Eastern Pacific.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Inhabits sandy bottoms. Often observed cruising in the surf zone, foraging for invertebrates in the sand.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Forms small, loose aggregations; rarely found in massive schools like some other carangids.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Benthic feeder/carnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Benthic predator feeding mainly on mollusks and small crustaceans.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Spawns in offshore waters; eggs are pelagic.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
15.0 - 40.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
100 g - 1.50 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.20000 - 80000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
--
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 7 Years
Females3 - 7 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The compressed body and powerful tail allow for exceptional agility in turbulent surf conditions.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Subject to artisanal fishing pressure, though populations appear stable in most of its range.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The common name 'Gafftopsail' refers to the elongated dorsal fin rays that resemble the gaff topsail sail on a ship.