How to Identify Palefin threadfin bream

To identify Palefin threadfin bream (Nemipterus thosaporni), look at these key features.

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

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   Fin Lengths

   Note the relatively long pectoral and pelvic fins, often reaching to or past the anus.

4. 4

   Lateral Line Scales

   Count the number of scales along the lateral line, which is typically 48-50 for this species.

Explore Palefin threadfin bream