How to Identify Spotted Sicklefish

To identify Spotted Sicklefish (Drepane punctata), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery-white to yellowish-silver body, often with a metallic sheen. Characterized by 4-10 irregular rows of dark, round to oval spots on the upper half of the body, extending onto the dorsal fin. Fins are typically yellowish or translucent.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Highly compressed, deep, disc-shaped body, Long, sickle-shaped pectoral fins, Prominent dark spots on the upper flanks and dorsal fin, Small, protractile mouth

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 8-9 spines and 20-24 soft rays. The spinous portion is relatively low, and the soft-rayed portion is high and rounded.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Long and falcate (sickle-shaped), extending beyond the anal fin origin.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 17-19 soft rays, similar in shape to the soft dorsal fin. Pelvic fins are small.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the very deep, compressed, and almost circular body profile.

2. 2

   Coloration and Spots

   The silvery body with distinct, irregular rows of dark spots on the upper flanks and dorsal fin is a key identifier.

3. 3

   Pectoral Fins

   The long, sickle-shaped pectoral fins are very characteristic and often extend past the anal fin origin.

4. 4

   Mouth

   Note the small, protractile mouth.

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