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Alectis ciliaris, commonly known as the African pompano or threadfin trevally, is a species of fish belonging to the family Carangidae. Here are some key characteristics and information about Alectis ciliaris:

1. Appearance: African pompanos have a distinctive appearance with a deeply compressed, disc-shaped body. They have elongated dorsal and anal fins that resemble thread-like extensions, which give them their common name “threadfin trevally.” Their coloration varies from silver to dusky blue or greenish-gray, often with a yellowish tinge on the fins.
2. Size: They can grow quite large, reaching lengths of up to 1 meter (3 feet) and weights exceeding 13 kilograms (30 pounds).
3. Distribution: African pompanos are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Brazil, and also in the eastern Atlantic from Portugal to Angola. They are also present in the Mediterranean Sea, often as vagrants.
4. Habitat: They inhabit both coastal and offshore waters, preferring reefs, rocky areas, and occasionally entering estuaries. They are often encountered in schools, especially when young.
5. Diet: African pompanos are carnivorous predators, feeding on a variety of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.