How to Identify Red bandfish

To identify Red bandfish (Cepola macrophthalma), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

eel-like

Coloration

Predominantly bright red to orange-red dorsally, fading to pinkish or silvery-white ventrally. The dorsal and anal fins are often edged with yellow or orange. Some individuals may exhibit faint transverse bands.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Extremely elongated, ribbon-like body, highly compressed laterally., Large, prominent eyes (macrophthalma means 'large eyes')., Long dorsal and anal fins that extend almost the entire length of the body and are confluent with the caudal fin., Small, pointed head with a short snout and an oblique mouth.

Dorsal fin

Single, very long dorsal fin with 87-100 soft rays, originating just behind the head and extending to the caudal fin.

Tail fin

Small, rounded, and confluent with the dorsal and anal fins.

Pectoral fin

Small, rounded, and positioned low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, small, and composed of 1 spine and 5 soft rays. Anal fin is also very long, with 77-94 soft rays, extending from the anus to the caudal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the extremely elongated, ribbon-like, and laterally compressed body. This is its most striking feature.

2. 2

   Coloration

   The vibrant red to orange-red color is a key identifier, especially when observed in its natural habitat or freshly caught.

3. 3

   Eyes

   Its disproportionately large eyes are a distinguishing characteristic, reflecting its adaptation to low-light environments.

4. 4

   Fin Structure

   The very long dorsal and anal fins, which merge with the small caudal fin, are unique to this species among many other benthic fish.

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