Pomfrets are perciform fish belonging to the family Bramidae. The family currently includes 20 species across seven genera.[2] Several species are important food sources for humans, especially Brama bramainSouth Asia. The earlier form of the pomfret's name was "pamflet", a word which probably ultimately comes from Portuguesepampo, referring to various fish such as the blue butterfish (Stromateus fiatola). The fish meat is white in color.
They are found globally in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, as well as numerous seas including the Norwegian, Mediterranean, and Sea of Japan.[3] Nearly all species can be found in the high seas. However, fish in the genera Pterycombus and Pteraclis tend to be found off continental shelves. Further, fishes in the genus Eumegistus are hypothesized to be largely benthic and found to occupy deep water shelves.[3]
Some species of pomfrets are also known as monchong, specifically in Hawaiian cuisine.[4]
