A review of advances in nutrition research towards commercial aquaculture of pompanos, Trachinotus spp.

Authors: Romano, Nicholas; PAREDES, JUAN - Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute; YAMAMOTO, FERNANDO - Mississippi State University; WILLS, PAUL - Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute; WEIRICH, CHARLES - National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); RILEY, KENNETH - National Marine Fisheries - Noaa Fisheries

Submitted to: Reviews in Aquaculture
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/3/2026
Publication Date: 2/19/2026
Citation: Romano, N.P., Paredes, J.F., Yamamoto, F., Wills, P.S., Weirich, C., Riley, K.L. A review of advances in nutrition research towards commercial aquaculture of pompanos, Trachinotus spp.. Reviews in Aquaculture. 18(2):e70134. 2026 https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70134.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70134

Interpretive Summary: Among the jack family (Carangidae), pompanos (Trachinotus spp.) are the most farmed fish globally, and despite their potential and high market demand in the U.S., their production is limited. The highest cost for fish aquaculture is for feeds, which is especially the case with pompanos. Despite decades of research on pompano nutrition, there is no literature review on this subject. This literature review first discusses the role of formulated feeds in pompano aquaculture and the feasibility of replacing marine-based ingredients. This is followed by discussing each of the three macronutrients in aquafeeds (i.e. protein, lipids and carbohydrates) and sources, including ways to enhance their utilization in diets for commercially important pompano species. Briefly, research on “functional feeds” will be presented as a means of potentially enhancing their growth and utilization of marine-based alternatives. A final section focuses on different feed management strategies to include feed rations, feeding frequency, timing of feeding and alternating different diets. This review should help feed manufacturers design cost-effective diets for pompano farming.

Technical Abstract: Among the jack family (Carangidae) pompanos, Trachinotus spp., are the most farmed globally. The top four most aquacultured species are golden pompano, T. ovatus, snubnose pompano, T. blochii, Indian pompano, T. mookalee, and Florida pompano, T. carolinus. While initial efforts to culture these species heavily on wild-caught small fish of various species (commonly referred to as ‘trash fish’) feed for growout, pompanos can readily accept and thrive on formulated pelleted feeds. This has largely been accomplished through decades of nutritional research that has determined the feasibility of replacing marine-based ingredients with alternative ingredients. This is possible by using a mixture of plant and animal-based proteins, taurine supplementation, and providing a source of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to meet nutritional requirements. Even though pompano exhibits relatively high digestibility of various ingredients, their feed efficiency is relatively poor compared with other marine finfish, which presents a major drawback. Research may assist with improving feeding efficiency by further refining dietary formulations and feed management strategies. In particular, there is a major knowledge gap regarding advanced to near market sized fish and is an area of research urgently needed. Additionally, nutritional research on ‘functional feeds’ designed for pompano is also relatively limited. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the nutritional requirements of the four most commonly aquacultured Trachinotus species as well as discuss the feasibility of using alternatives to marine-based ingredients, influence of different starch sources, success of ‘functional feeds’ and the effectiveness of different feed management strategies.