How to Identify White Steenbras

To identify White Steenbras (Lithognathus lithognathus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery-white to greyish-silver, often with a darker dorsal surface and lighter belly. Juveniles may exhibit faint vertical bars that fade with age. Fins are typically dusky or translucent.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, pointed snout with a slightly inferior mouth, Thick, fleshy lips, Powerful molar-like teeth in the back of the jaws for crushing shells, Large, prominent scales, Deeply forked caudal fin, Often has a dark blotch at the base of the pectoral fin

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 11-12 spines and 10-12 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Long and pointed, typically reaching beyond the origin of the anal fin.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 8-10 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Snout and Mouth

   Look for the distinctive elongated, pointed snout and the slightly inferior mouth with thick, fleshy lips. This is a key differentiating feature from other sparids.

2. 2

   Coloration

   The overall silvery-white to greyish-silver body color is characteristic. Juveniles may have faint vertical bars.

3. 3

   Teeth

   If possible to observe, the presence of powerful molar-like teeth in the posterior part of the jaws is diagnostic for its crushing diet.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Its compressed, oval body shape, typical of sea breams, combined with the specific head morphology, aids in identification.

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