How to Identify Bony Bream

To identify Bony Bream (Nematalosa erebi), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery flanks, darker grey-blue to olive-green dorsally, often with a faint dark spot behind the gill cover. Fins are generally translucent.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Deep, compressed body, Small, subterminal mouth, Elongated last ray of the dorsal fin, extending posteriorly, sometimes reaching the caudal fin base, Keeled belly with sharp scutes (modified scales)

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, centrally located, with 15-19 rays, the last ray greatly elongated and filamentous.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Small, low-set pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally. Anal fin is relatively short with 18-24 rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a very deep, laterally compressed body, giving it a 'hatchet-like' appearance.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fin

   The most distinguishing feature is the last ray of the dorsal fin, which is significantly elongated and filamentous, often reaching or extending past the caudal fin base.

3. 3

   Mouth

   Observe the small, subterminal mouth, indicating its filter-feeding habit.

4. 4

   Belly

   Feel for the sharp, serrated scutes along the ventral keel, a characteristic of clupeids.

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