How to Identify Snake Mackerel

To identify Snake Mackerel (Gempylus serpens), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

eel-like

Coloration

Dorsal side is dark metallic blue to brownish-black, fading to silvery on the flanks and belly. Fins are dusky.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Extremely elongated, compressed body, tapering towards the tail., Large mouth with strong, sharp, fang-like teeth in both jaws., Two widely separated dorsal fins, followed by 5-7 finlets., Anal fin similar to the second dorsal fin, also followed by 5-7 finlets., Pelvic fins are very small and located beneath the pectoral fins., Lateral line is single and straight, running close to the ventral profile for most of its length, then curving upwards towards the caudal peduncle.

Dorsal fin

First dorsal fin with 26-32 spines; second dorsal fin with 10-14 soft rays, followed by 5-7 finlets. The first dorsal fin is much longer than the second.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Small, located low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Presence of 5-7 dorsal and anal finlets posterior to the main dorsal and anal fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the extremely elongated, snake-like body, which is highly compressed laterally.

2. 2

   Teeth

   Observe the prominent, sharp, fang-like teeth in both jaws, indicative of its predatory nature.

3. 3

   Finlets

   Count the 5-7 finlets behind both the second dorsal and anal fins, a key characteristic of the Gempylidae family.

4. 4

   Lateral Line

   Note the unusual lateral line, which runs close to the belly for most of its length before curving upwards near the tail.

5. 5

   Dorsal Fins

   Identify the two widely separated dorsal fins, with the first being significantly longer than the second.

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