Pompano (Sonaf fish)

Pompano (Sonaf Fish) — Buttery, Delicate & Perfect for Frying, Grilling & Continental Dishes

Pompano — known locally as Sonaf Fish — is a premium, buttery-textured fish that’s widely loved for its delicate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. If you’re looking for seafood that tastes luxurious without being oily or strong, Pompano is one of the best choices you can make.

Its meat is soft, smooth, and almost creamy, making it ideal for frying, grilling, baking, or pan-searing with simple seasonings like lemon, garlic, herbs, and butter. Sonaf Fish also works beautifully in desi masala because it absorbs spices without losing its natural sweetness.
Because of its balanced taste and high meat yield, Pompano is a favorite among families and home cooks who want restaurant-quality seafood with minimal effort.

Fresh, cleaned, and delivered chilled — our Pompano gives you premium ocean flavor straight from the Arabian Sea.

Similar Fish to Try

If you enjoy the delicate, buttery flavor of Pompano, you may also like: White Pomfret (Safaid Paplet) for light sweetness, Seabream (Safaid Dandia) for soft, buttery flakes, or Red Snapper (Heera) for richer, firmer white meat.

Flavor Profile

The pompano (Sonaf fish) 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 (Sonaf fish) is a sea fish that lives in shallow coastal waters.

Catching Method

Pompano (Sonaf fish) is caught using Gillnets.

Physical Attributes

Pompano (Sonaf fish) 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 (Sonaf fish) 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 (Sonaf fish) size range is 300 to 2000 grams per fish. However, other sizes are also occasionally available.

Cutting Preferences

Pompano (Sonaf fish) is preferred for gutted cut, Slices, and Fillet

Approx. Cutting Yields

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

Why Choose Pompano (Sonaf Fish) from Anbar Fish?

Soft, Buttery Texture – One of the smoothest white fish varieties
Mild, Delicate Flavor – No strong smell or overpowering taste
Excellent Meat Yield – Thick fillets and tender flakes
Perfect for Multiple Cuisines – Works in desi & continental dishes
Freshly Sourced – Cleaned and chilled for maximum freshness

Health Benefits of Pompano

Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Supports heart & brain health
High in Protein – Ideal for daily nutrition and strength
Low in Saturated Fat – Great for healthy meal plans
Contains Vitamin B12 & D – Boosts energy and immunity
Packed with Minerals – Including selenium and potassium

Cooking Inspiration

Golden Fried Pompano – Crispy skin with soft, flaky meat
Lemon-Butter Pompano – Simple, aromatic, and gourmet
Sonaf Masala Curry – Mild fish that takes on spices beautifully
Grilled Pompano Steaks – Smoky, tender, and juicy
Baked Mediterranean-Style Pompano – Healthy, vibrant, and delicious

Chef’s Tip: Pompano tastes best when cooked with gentle heat — its natural tenderness shines with simple seasonings.

Pompano (Sonaf Fish) — FAQ