How to Identify Gangetic Scabbardfish

To identify Gangetic Scabbardfish (Eupleurogrammus muticus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

eel-like

Coloration

Uniformly silvery, often with a metallic sheen; fins are translucent or dusky.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Extremely elongated, ribbon-like body, highly compressed laterally., Head is relatively small with a pointed snout., Large, sharp teeth in both jaws, including prominent canines at the front., Absence of pelvic fins., Caudal fin is absent, with the body tapering to a fine, whip-like filament., Lateral line runs close to the ventral profile anteriorly, then curves upwards to the mid-lateral line posteriorly.

Dorsal fin

A single, long dorsal fin extending almost the entire length of the body, originating just behind the head. It consists of 4-5 spines followed by 100-108 soft rays. The anterior rays are often elevated.

Tail fin

Absent, body tapers to a filament.

Pectoral fin

Small, located high on the body, with 11-13 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is represented by a series of small, detached finlets or spines embedded in the skin along the ventral margin, becoming more prominent posteriorly.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the extremely elongated, ribbon-like, and highly compressed body. This is a key characteristic of scabbardfish.

2. 2

   Caudal Fin

   The complete absence of a caudal fin, with the body tapering to a fine filament, is a definitive feature of Eupleurogrammus muticus and other species in its genus.

3. 3

   Pelvic Fins

   Note the absence of pelvic fins. This distinguishes it from some other Trichiuridae species.

4. 4

   Teeth

   Observe the prominent, sharp canine teeth in the front of both jaws, indicative of its predatory nature.

5. 5

   Lateral Line

   The lateral line runs close to the ventral margin anteriorly, then curves upwards to the mid-lateral line posteriorly. This pattern is specific to the genus.

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