How to Identify Australian Silver Bream

To identify Australian Silver Bream (Beryx splendens), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The body is typically a brilliant red to silvery-pink dorsally, fading to a lighter pink or silver ventrally. Fins are often reddish. Juveniles may exhibit a more silvery hue.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, prominent eyes, adapted for low light conditions in deep water., Deep, compressed body., Large, oblique mouth., Strongly keeled scales along the lateral line., A single dorsal fin with strong spines.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 4-7 spines and 13-16 soft rays. The spiny portion is relatively short.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Long and pointed pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located beneath the pectoral fins, with 1 spine and 7-10 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   Look for the distinctive bright red to silvery-pink body color.

2. 2

   Eyes

   The very large, prominent eyes are a key identifier, indicative of its deep-water habitat.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Its deep, compressed body shape is characteristic.

4. 4

   Fins

   Note the deeply forked caudal fin and the relatively short spiny dorsal fin.

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