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Nemipterus thosaporni, commonly known as the Palefin threadfin bream, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Nemipteridae. It is characterized by its slender body, distinctive coloration, and the elongated ray in its caudal fin. This species is part of a diverse genus of threadfin breams, many of which are commercially important in their native ranges.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- The body is generally silvery-pink to reddish dorsally, fading to silvery-white ventrally. A distinctive feature is a series of faint yellowish longitudinal stripes along the flanks. The dorsal fin is pale yellow with a reddish margin. The caudal fin is pinkish-yellow, with the upper lobe often having a prominent yellow filament. Pectoral and pelvic fins are typically pale or translucent.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Elongated upper caudal fin ray (filament), Faint yellowish longitudinal stripes on flanks, Pale yellow dorsal fin with reddish margin, Large eye relative to head size
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin with 10 spines and 9 soft rays. The spines are relatively slender, and the soft-rayed portion is slightly higher.
- Tail fin
- Forked caudal fin, with the upper lobe significantly elongated into a yellow filament, which can be longer than the rest of the fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Long and pointed, reaching beyond the anus.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are relatively long, reaching to or beyond the anus. Anal fin has 3 spines and 7 soft rays.
Identification Tips
Caudal Fin Filament
Look for the prominent yellow, elongated filament extending from the upper lobe of the caudal fin. This is a key diagnostic feature.
Body Coloration and Stripes
Observe the silvery-pink body with faint yellowish longitudinal stripes along the sides. The dorsal fin's pale yellow color with a reddish edge is also characteristic.
Fin Lengths
Note the relatively long pectoral and pelvic fins, often reaching to or past the anus.
Lateral Line Scales
Count the number of scales along the lateral line, which is typically 48-50 for this species.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found on sandy or muddy bottoms at depths ranging from 20 to 100 meters, occasionally deeper.
- Environment
- Demersal, inhabiting continental shelves and upper slopes. Often found in association with soft substrates where they forage for benthic invertebrates.
- Geographic range
- Indo-West Pacific, specifically known from the Andaman Sea, including the coasts of Thailand, Myanmar, and potentially extending to other parts of Southeast Asia.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: Not typically kept in aquariums due to size and specific habitat requirements.
- Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: Not applicable for marine fish (salinity 1.023-1.025 sg)
- Compatibility: Not applicable for typical home aquariums.
- Special requirements: Requires large, specialized public aquariums with deep-water conditions and specific substrate.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Available year-round, with peak catches often influenced by local fishing seasons and weather patterns.
- Market price: Varies by region and catch, 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
Deep-water Foragerbehavior
Nemipterus thosaporni primarily inhabits deeper waters on soft bottoms, where it actively forages for a variety of benthic invertebrates.
Distinctive Caudal Filamentinteresting
The elongated yellow filament on its upper caudal fin lobe is a key identifying feature, distinguishing it from many other threadfin bream species.
Commercial Fishery Targetbehavior
Like many Nemipteridae species, Palefin threadfin bream is a target for commercial fisheries, particularly in Southeast Asia, contributing to local economies and food supplies.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions beyond standard fish handling. Spines are not venomous but can cause minor punctures if not handled carefully.
Similar Species
Ornate threadfin bream
Nemipterus hexodon
N. hexodon typically has more pronounced yellow stripes, a more pointed snout, and the caudal fin filament, if present, is usually less developed or absent, and not distinctly yellow. It also often has a yellow blotch on the operculum.
Japanese threadfin bream
Nemipterus japonicus
N. japonicus has a much longer caudal fin filament, often reddish, and typically exhibits a prominent red blotch on the upper part of the caudal fin. Its body coloration can also be more intensely pink or reddish.
Rosy threadfin bream
Nemipterus virgatus
N. virgatus has a very long, often reddish, caudal fin filament and distinct yellow stripes on the body. It also has a characteristic yellow blotch on the operculum and a more pointed snout.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Nemipteridae
- Genus
- Nemipterus
- Species
- thosaporni
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