How to Identify Bengal Corvina

To identify Bengal Corvina (Johnius dussumieri), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Silvery-grey dorsally, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Fins are generally dusky or yellowish, sometimes with darker margins. No prominent markings or bands.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Relatively small eye compared to head size., A single, short mental barbel (chin barbel) is present, though sometimes inconspicuous., Seven pores on the chin (three anterior, four posterior)., Swim bladder with a pair of anterior horn-like appendages and 10-12 pairs of arborescent (tree-like) appendages laterally., Second anal fin spine is moderately strong and about half the length of the first soft ray.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins, deeply notched. First dorsal fin with 9-10 spines; second dorsal fin with 1 spine and 26-30 soft rays.

Tail fin

Caudal fin rhomboidal or S-shaped in juveniles, becoming more pointed or slightly emarginate with age.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins moderately long, reaching beyond the tip of the pelvic fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins thoracic, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays. Anal fin with 2 spines and 7-8 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Eye Size

   Look for a relatively small eye in proportion to the head, a key feature distinguishing it from some other croaker species.

2. 2

   Mental Barbel

   Check for a single, short barbel on the chin. While sometimes small, its presence is diagnostic for the genus Johnius.

3. 3

   Chin Pores

   Count the pores on the chin; Johnius dussumieri typically has seven (three anterior, four posterior).

4. 4

   Dorsal Fin Ray Count

   The second dorsal fin typically has 26-30 soft rays, which can help differentiate it from closely related species.

5. 5

   Anal Fin Spines

   Note the two anal fin spines, with the second spine being moderately strong and about half the length of the first soft ray.

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