How to Identify Mola Carplet

To identify Mola Carplet (Amblypharyngodon mola), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Silvery body with a distinct, broad, silvery lateral stripe running from the operculum to the caudal peduncle. The dorsal surface is typically olive-green to brownish, fading to silvery-white on the ventral side. Fins are hyaline (transparent) to yellowish.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Small, upwardly directed mouth without barbels., Absence of a lateral line (or very incomplete)., Slender, compressed body., Large eyes relative to head size.

Dorsal fin

Short, with 8-9 branched rays, originating slightly behind the pelvic fin origin.

Tail fin

Deeply forked.

Pectoral fin

Relatively short, not reaching the pelvic fin origin.

Distinctive fins

All fins are soft-rayed. No adipose fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for a slender, silvery body with a prominent silvery lateral stripe. The dorsal side is darker, and the ventral side is lighter.

2. 2

   Mouth

   Observe the small, upwardly directed mouth, indicating its surface-feeding habits. No barbels are present.

3. 3

   Lateral Line

   Note the absence or extreme incompleteness of the lateral line, a key distinguishing feature from many other cyprinids.

4. 4

   Fin Structure

   All fins are soft-rayed. The dorsal fin is short and originates behind the pelvic fins. The caudal fin is deeply forked.

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