How to Identify Moonfish

To identify Moonfish (Mene maculata), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery, often iridescent, with a darker dorsal surface and a series of 2-5 irregular dark spots (often fading in larger specimens) along the upper flank. Fins are typically translucent or yellowish.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Extremely deep, disc-shaped, and laterally compressed body, Very small mouth, highly protractile, Long, filamentous pelvic fins, especially in juveniles, extending well beyond the caudal fin base, Sharp, keeled ventral profile

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 3-4 spines and 26-29 soft rays, originating far forward on the body.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Small, high-set pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are extremely elongated, especially the first ray, which can be several times the length of the head, particularly in younger individuals. Anal fin is long with 3-4 spines and 23-26 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the extremely deep, disc-like, and laterally compressed body, almost circular in profile.

2. 2

   Pelvic Fins

   Observe the exceptionally long, filamentous pelvic fins, which are a key diagnostic feature, especially in juveniles.

3. 3

   Coloration and Spots

   Note the silvery body with a darker back and the presence of 2-5 dark, irregular spots on the upper flanks, though these may fade in larger specimens.

4. 4

   Mouth

   Its small, highly protractile, upward-pointing mouth is also characteristic.

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