How to Identify Four-striped tigerfish

To identify Four-striped tigerfish (Datnioides quadrifasciatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The base body color ranges from silvery-gold to yellowish-brown or olive, often with a metallic sheen. It is marked by four distinct, broad, dark vertical bands that extend from the dorsal surface to the ventral side. The first band passes through the eye, the second originates from the anterior dorsal fin, the third from the posterior dorsal fin, and the fourth is on the caudal peduncle. The fins are typically translucent or slightly dusky.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Four prominent dark vertical bands on the body, Large, protractile mouth, Deep, compressed body, Rough, ctenoid scales, Spiny dorsal fin

Dorsal fin

Consists of a spiny anterior portion (XII-XIII spines) and a soft-rayed posterior portion (13-14 soft rays), deeply notched between the two sections.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small and rounded.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located directly below the pectoral fins. Anal fin has III spines and 8-9 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Band Count

   Count the distinct dark vertical bands on the body. D. quadrifasciatus consistently has four primary bands, excluding any faint markings on the head or caudal fin.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Observe the deep, compressed body shape, typical of Datnioides species.

3. 3

   Mouth

   Note the large, protractile mouth, indicative of its predatory feeding strategy.

4. 4

   Habitat

   Consider the collection location; D. quadrifasciatus is primarily a brackish water species, though it can be found in freshwater.

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