How to Identify Pilotfish

To identify Pilotfish (Naucrates ductor), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Silvery-white to bluish-grey body with 5 to 7 prominent dark vertical bands that extend onto the fins. The bands tend to fade or become less distinct in larger, older individuals. The caudal fin is dark with white tips on the lobes.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

5-7 dark vertical bands on the body and fins., Two small keels on each side of the caudal peduncle., A small, detached first dorsal fin composed of 3-5 short, stout spines., Streamlined, fusiform body.

Dorsal fin

First dorsal fin consists of 3-5 short, stout, detached spines. Second dorsal fin is long, with 25-29 soft rays, preceded by 1-2 spines. It is similar in shape and size to the anal fin.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin with two small keels on each side of the caudal peduncle.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively short and falcate (sickle-shaped), with 19-21 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is long, with 1-2 spines and 16-19 soft rays, mirroring the shape of the second dorsal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Bands

   Look for the characteristic 5-7 dark vertical bands across the body and extending onto the fins. These are the most reliable identification feature.

2. 2

   Association with Hosts

   Often seen swimming in close proximity to large sharks, rays, or other marine megafauna, or even ships. This behavior is a strong indicator.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fin

   Note the small, detached first dorsal fin composed of a few short spines, followed by a much longer second dorsal fin.

4. 4

   Caudal Keels

   Observe the two small keels on each side of the caudal peduncle, a feature shared with some other fast-swimming pelagic fish.

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