How to Identify Silver Biddy

To identify Silver Biddy (Gerres subfasciatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Overall silvery, often with a darker dorsal surface and lighter, sometimes iridescent, flanks and belly. Juveniles may exhibit faint vertical bars or spots that fade with age. Fins are typically translucent or dusky.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Highly protrusible mouth, forming a downward-pointing tube when extended., Deeply notched dorsal fin., Large, silvery scales., Relatively small eyes., Body depth typically 2.5-3.0 times in standard length.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, deeply notched, with 9-10 spines and 10-11 soft rays. The third or fourth dorsal spine is typically the longest.

Tail fin

Moderately forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Long and pointed pectoral fins, reaching beyond the anal fin origin.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 7-8 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Mouth

   Observe the highly protrusible mouth, which can extend downwards to form a tube for feeding. This is a key characteristic of the Gerreidae family.

2. 2

   Coloration

   Note the overall silvery body, often with a slightly darker back. Juveniles may have faint vertical bands.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fin

   Examine the single, deeply notched dorsal fin. The third or fourth spine is usually the longest.

4. 4

   Pectoral Fins

   Look for long, pointed pectoral fins that extend past the origin of the anal fin.

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