How to Identify Pacific Saury

To identify Pacific Saury (Cololabis Saira), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal side is dark blue to greenish-blue, fading to silvery on the flanks and belly. Often has small, iridescent spots along the lateral line.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, slender body, tapering towards the tail., Small, pointed head with a beak-like mouth., A series of 5-7 finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins., Pectoral fins are small and set low on the body.

Dorsal fin

Single, short dorsal fin located far back on the body, followed by 5-7 finlets.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, characteristic of fast-swimming pelagic fish.

Pectoral fin

Small, low-set pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are absent. Anal fin is similar in size and position to the dorsal fin, also followed by 5-7 finlets.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the very slender, elongated, and cylindrical body, distinctly torpedo-shaped.

2. 2

   Finlets

   The presence of 5-7 small finlets behind both the dorsal and anal fins is a key identifying feature.

3. 3

   Mouth

   Observe the small, pointed head with a beak-like, terminal mouth.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Note the dark blue-green dorsal side and silvery flanks and belly.

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