How to Identify Goldspot Herring

To identify Goldspot Herring (Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Silvery body, often with a bluish-green dorsal surface. A prominent golden or yellowish spot is typically present behind the upper operculum. A faint blue-green stripe may run along the flank, sometimes broken into a series of small spots.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Prominent golden/yellowish spot behind the operculum, Scutes present along the ventral midline, Deeply forked caudal fin, Relatively large eyes

Dorsal fin

Single, short-based dorsal fin located mid-body, typically with 13-15 soft rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, with two equally sized lobes.

Pectoral fin

Small, low-set pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally, beneath the dorsal fin origin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Golden Spot

   Look for the distinctive golden or yellowish spot located just behind the upper part of the gill cover (operculum). This is the most reliable identifying feature.

2. 2

   Body Shape and Color

   Slender, silvery body with a slightly compressed profile. The dorsal surface often has a bluish or greenish sheen.

3. 3

   Scutes

   Feel for the sharp, keeled scutes along the belly, a characteristic of many clupeid species.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults typically reach 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) in standard length, rarely exceeding 18 cm (7 inches).

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