Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Characiformes
- Family
- Bramidae
- Genus
- Eumegistus
- Species
- illustris
Habitat
This species inhabits pelagic waters of the open ocean, typically at depths of 100 to 500 meters in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It prefers areas around islands, continental shelves, and oceanic ridges where currents bring nutrient-rich waters.
Diet
The Lustrous pomfret primarily feeds on smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans. It hunts in schools during daylight hours, targeting prey in mid-water columns using quick, agile movements.
Behavior
Lustrous pomfrets are highly schooling fish that form large groups for protection and feeding. They exhibit migratory behavior following food sources seasonally and are most active during the day, showing evasive schooling tactics when threatened. They are generally non-territorial and avoid shallow coastal areas.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.