How to Identify Tarakihi

To identify Tarakihi (Cheilodactylus macropterus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery-grey body, often with a bluish or greenish sheen dorsally, fading to white or pale silver ventrally. Juveniles and some adults may exhibit dark vertical bands or blotches, particularly a prominent dark band running from the nape through the eye to the snout. A distinctive dark blotch is often present on the shoulder region, above the pectoral fin base.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Deep, compressed body with a small head., Long, pointed pectoral fins, often reaching beyond the anus., Prominent dark band from nape through eye (especially in juveniles)., Dark blotch above the pectoral fin base., Thick, fleshy lips.

Dorsal fin

Single, long dorsal fin with 17-18 spines and 25-28 soft rays. The spinous portion is higher anteriorly.

Tail fin

Moderately forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Long and pointed, with the lower 5-7 rays unbranched and thickened, often extending past the anus. These thickened rays are used for 'walking' on the seabed.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 8-9 soft rays. Pelvic fins thoracic, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for the deep, compressed silvery-grey body with a potential dark band through the eye and a prominent dark shoulder blotch.

2. 2

   Pectoral Fins

   Observe the exceptionally long, pointed pectoral fins, especially the thickened, unbranched lower rays that extend well past the anus.

3. 3

   Mouth

   Note the small, subterminal mouth with thick, fleshy lips.

4. 4

   Dorsal Fin

   Count the dorsal fin spines (17-18) and soft rays (25-28) and note the anteriorly higher spinous portion.

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