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Nemipterus hexodon, commonly known as the Ornate threadfin bream, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Nemipteridae. It is characterized by its distinctive coloration, including yellow stripes on its body and fins, and a prolonged upper caudal fin ray. This species is a demersal fish, typically found on sandy or muddy bottoms in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Body silvery-pink, fading to white ventrally. Five to six prominent yellow stripes run longitudinally along the body, with the uppermost stripe often extending onto the dorsal fin. A distinct yellow blotch or band is present on the operculum. Fins are yellowish, with the dorsal fin having a yellow margin and the caudal fin often having a yellow upper lobe and a reddish-orange lower lobe. The prolonged upper caudal fin ray is typically yellow.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Five to six prominent yellow longitudinal stripes on the body., A distinct yellow blotch on the operculum., Upper caudal fin ray prolonged into a filament, typically yellow., A small, pointed canine tooth on each side of the upper jaw.
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin with X spines and 9 soft rays. The spinous portion is continuous with the soft-rayed portion.
- Tail fin
- Forked caudal fin, with the upper lobe prolonged into a distinct, often yellow, filament. The lower lobe may be reddish-orange.
- Pectoral fin
- Pectoral fins are relatively long and pointed, with 16-17 rays.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are long, reaching beyond the anus, with 1 spine and 8 soft rays. Anal fin has III spines and 7 soft rays.
Identification Tips
Body Stripes
Look for 5-6 distinct yellow longitudinal stripes on the silvery-pink body. This is a key distinguishing feature.
Caudal Fin Filament
The prolonged, yellow upper ray of the caudal fin is a definitive characteristic of Nemipterus hexodon.
Opercular Spot
A prominent yellow blotch or band on the operculum (gill cover) helps in identification.
Canine Teeth
Careful examination of the mouth reveals a small, pointed canine tooth on each side of the upper jaw.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found at depths of 10 to 100 meters, occasionally deeper.
- Environment
- Demersal, inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms, often near coral reefs or rocky outcrops. They are commonly found in coastal waters and on continental shelves.
- Geographic range
- Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa eastward to New Caledonia, northward to southern Japan, and southward to northern Australia.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: advanced
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 200 gallons
- Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Generally compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized marine fish. Avoid housing with aggressive species or very small, delicate fish.
- Special requirements: Requires a well-established marine aquarium with ample swimming space and a sand or fine gravel substrate for foraging. Good filtration and stable water parameters are crucial. Not commonly kept in home aquaria due to size and specific needs.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Available year-round in many parts of its range, with peak catches often influenced by local fishing seasons and weather patterns.
- Market price: Varies by region and market demand, generally moderate.
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Mild, slightly sweet
- Texture: Flaky, white flesh
- Cooking methods: Steaming, Frying, Grilling, Baking
- Nutritional value: Good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
Threadfin Name Origininteresting
The 'threadfin' in its common name refers to the elongated, thread-like upper ray of its caudal (tail) fin, a characteristic feature of many species in the Nemipteridae family.
Dietary Habitsbehavior
Nemipterus hexodon is a carnivorous species, primarily feeding on small benthic invertebrates such as crustaceans, polychaetes, and other small bottom-dwelling organisms.
Commercial Fisheryinteresting
This species is an important component of demersal trawl fisheries throughout its range, particularly in Southeast Asia, contributing significantly to local economies.
Habitat Preferencebehavior
Ornate threadfin bream prefer soft substrates like sand and mud, where they can forage for their invertebrate prey, often forming schools near the seabed.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin pricks. The spines are not venomous.
Similar Species
Japanese threadfin bream
Nemipterus japonicus
Nemipterus japonicus typically has a more reddish body coloration, a less pronounced yellow opercular spot, and the caudal fin filament is often reddish or pink, not distinctly yellow. The yellow stripes on the body are also generally less distinct or fewer in number.
Rosy threadfin bream
Nemipterus virgatus
Nemipterus virgatus has a more reddish-pink body, often with a prominent red blotch on the upper part of the caudal fin. While it also has a prolonged upper caudal fin ray, its body stripes are usually fainter or absent, and it lacks the distinct yellow opercular blotch of N. hexodon.
Five-lined threadfin bream
Nemipterus tambuloides
Nemipterus tambuloides has five yellow stripes, similar to N. hexodon, but typically lacks the prominent yellow opercular blotch and the caudal fin filament is often shorter and less distinctly yellow. The overall body shape and fin coloration can also differ subtly.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Nemipteridae
- Genus
- Nemipterus
- Species
- N. hexodon
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