How to Identify Striped large-eye bream

To identify Striped large-eye bream (Gnathodentex aureolineatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The body is generally silvery-grey to brownish-grey dorsally, fading to silvery-white ventrally. The most striking feature is the presence of 4-6 prominent golden-yellow longitudinal stripes running along the flanks, often becoming more distinct posteriorly. A bright yellow blotch is typically present on the upper part of the caudal peduncle, just anterior to the caudal fin. The fins are often yellowish, particularly the caudal fin.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large eyes relative to head size, 4-6 prominent golden-yellow longitudinal stripes on flanks, Bright yellow blotch on upper caudal peduncle, Small, conical teeth in the front of the jaws, with molariform teeth on the sides for crushing shells

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 10 spines and 10 soft rays. The spinous portion is continuous with the soft-rayed portion.

Tail fin

Moderately forked caudal fin, often yellowish.

Pectoral fin

Long and pointed pectoral fins, typically yellowish.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 8-10 soft rays. Pelvic fins with 1 spine and 5 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Golden-yellow stripes

   Look for the characteristic 4-6 bright golden-yellow stripes running horizontally along the body. These are the most reliable visual identifier.

2. 2

   Yellow caudal peduncle blotch

   A distinct yellow blotch on the upper part of the caudal peduncle (the narrow part of the body before the tail fin) is a key feature.

3. 3

   Large eyes

   The eyes are noticeably large in proportion to the head, contributing to its 'large-eye bream' common name.

4. 4

   Fin coloration

   The caudal fin and often the pectoral fins tend to have a yellowish hue, which can aid in identification.

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