How to Identify Milkfish

To identify Milkfish (Chanos chanos), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Silvery on the flanks and belly, with a darker, olive-green to bluish-grey dorsal surface. Fins are typically dusky or yellowish.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Streamlined, fusiform body, Large, deeply forked caudal fin, Small, terminal mouth without teeth, Large, cycloid scales, Absence of scutes along the lateral line

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, relatively short, located midway along the back, with 13-17 soft rays. No spines.

Tail fin

Large, deeply forked, and powerful caudal fin, indicative of a fast-swimming pelagic species.

Pectoral fin

Long and low-set pectoral fins, with 15-17 soft rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal, located far back on the belly, with 10-12 soft rays. Anal fin is short, located posterior to the dorsal fin, with 9-11 soft rays. All fins lack spines.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a sleek, torpedo-shaped body, which is characteristic of fast-swimming fish.

2. 2

   Caudal Fin

   The deeply forked, large caudal fin is a key identifier, distinguishing it from many other coastal species.

3. 3

   Mouth

   Observe the small, terminal mouth that lacks teeth, adapted for filter-feeding on detritus and algae.

4. 4

   Coloration

   The silvery sides and belly contrasting with a darker dorsal surface are typical.

5. 5

   Scales

   The presence of large, smooth cycloid scales is a distinguishing feature.

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