How to Identify Meagre

To identify Meagre (Argyrosomus regius), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Silvery-grey dorsally, fading to a lighter, almost white belly. Fins are generally dusky or yellowish. Juveniles may have faint vertical bars.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, terminal mouth with small, sharp teeth arranged in bands., Prominent lateral line that extends to the caudal fin., Large otoliths (ear stones) which are often collected as souvenirs., A characteristic 'drumming' sound produced by males during spawning., Two dorsal fins, the first spiny and the second soft-rayed.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins: the first with 9-10 strong spines; the second much longer, with 1 spine and 26-30 soft rays.

Tail fin

Slightly emarginate (forked) to truncate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Relatively long and pointed pectoral fins, typically reaching beyond the origin of the pelvic fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 2 spines and 7-8 soft rays. Pelvic fins thoracic, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   Large, robust fish, typically reaching 1.5-2 meters (5-6.5 feet) in length and weighing up to 50-60 kg (110-132 lbs), though larger specimens up to 2.3 meters and 100 kg have been recorded. Body is elongated and moderately compressed.

2. 2

   Coloration

   Overall silvery-grey, darker on the back and lighter on the belly. Fins are dusky, sometimes with a yellowish tinge. No prominent spots or bars on adults.

3. 3

   Mouth and Teeth

   Large, terminal mouth with a slightly oblique gape. The lower jaw is slightly longer than the upper. Possesses small, sharp, conical teeth arranged in bands, with an outer row of slightly larger teeth.

4. 4

   Lateral Line

   Distinctive and prominent lateral line that runs almost straight from the operculum to the caudal fin.

5. 5

   Otoliths

   Known for its large, distinctive otoliths (sagittae), which are often used for age determination and are sometimes collected as curiosities.

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