How to Identify Australian Silver Bream

To identify Australian Silver Bream (Nematalosa vlaminghi), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Overall silvery, often with a darker bluish-grey dorsal surface fading to bright silver on the flanks and belly. Fins are typically translucent or dusky.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deeply compressed body, Small, terminal mouth, Last dorsal fin ray greatly elongated and filamentous, often reaching beyond the caudal fin base in adults, A distinct dark spot often present behind the upper operculum

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 15-19 rays, the last ray being a distinctive elongated filament.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively small, located low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally. Anal fin has 18-23 rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Last Dorsal Fin Ray

   The most distinguishing feature is the greatly elongated, filamentous last ray of the dorsal fin, which can be longer than the head.

2. 2

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Its deep, compressed, silvery body with a small, terminal mouth helps differentiate it from other clupeids.

3. 3

   Dark Spot

   Look for a subtle dark spot behind the upper part of the gill cover (operculum).

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