How to Identify Basrah Minnow

To identify Basrah Minnow (Acanthobrama marmid), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery-grey to olive-brown on the back, fading to silvery-white on the belly. A prominent dark lateral stripe extends from the operculum to the caudal peduncle. Fins are typically translucent or slightly dusky.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Moderately compressed body, Relatively large, cycloid scales, Prominent dark lateral stripe, Small, subterminal mouth, Absence of barbels

Dorsal fin

Short, with 3 unbranched and 7-8 branched rays. Originates slightly behind the pelvic fin origin.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Relatively short, not reaching the pelvic fin origin.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is moderately long, with 3 unbranched and 10-13 branched rays. Pelvic fins are small.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Lateral Stripe

   Look for the distinct dark lateral stripe running along the flank, which is a key identifying feature.

2. 2

   Scale Size

   Observe the relatively large scales compared to many other minnow species in the region.

3. 3

   Fin Ray Counts

   Accurate identification often requires counting fin rays, particularly for the dorsal (3 unbranched, 7-8 branched) and anal (3 unbranched, 10-13 branched) fins.

4. 4

   Mouth Position

   Note the small, subterminal mouth, indicating its feeding habits.

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