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Nemipterus zysron, commonly known as the Spinycheek Threadfin Bream, is a demersal fish belonging to the family Nemipteridae. It is characterized by its slender body, distinctive coloration, and a prolonged upper caudal fin ray in adults. This species is an important component of artisanal and commercial fisheries throughout its range.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- Body silvery-pink to reddish dorsally, fading to silvery-white ventrally. Often with indistinct yellowish longitudinal stripes along the flanks. A prominent yellow stripe or blotch may be present on the operculum. Fins are generally hyaline to yellowish, with the dorsal fin often having a yellow margin. The upper lobe of the caudal fin typically has a yellow tip or margin.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- A prominent spine on the suborbital bone (below the eye), which is the basis for its common name 'spinycheek'., Upper caudal fin ray prolonged into a yellow filament in adults, which can be quite long., A relatively slender body compared to some other Nemipterus species., Usually 3-4 indistinct yellowish longitudinal stripes on the body.
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin with X spines and 9 soft rays. The spines are moderately strong.
- Tail fin
- Forked caudal fin, with the upper lobe prolonged into a distinctive yellow filament in adults.
- Pectoral fin
- Pectoral fins are moderately long, reaching to or slightly beyond the anus.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are relatively long, reaching to or beyond the anus. Anal fin with III spines and 7 soft rays.
Identification Tips
Suborbital spine
Look for a distinct, sharp spine located below the eye on the suborbital bone. This is a key diagnostic feature.
Caudal fin filament
Adults possess a long, yellow filament extending from the upper lobe of the caudal fin. The length of this filament can vary but is usually noticeable.
Body coloration and stripes
Observe the silvery-pink to reddish body with indistinct yellowish longitudinal stripes and a yellow opercular blotch or stripe.
Fin ray counts
Accurate identification often relies on meristic counts: Dorsal fin X, 9; Anal fin III, 7.
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 slopes. Often found in association with soft bottom habitats, sometimes near rocky outcrops or coral rubble.
- Geographic range
- Indo-West Pacific: widespread from the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf eastward to Indonesia, the Philippines, and northern Australia, northward to southern Japan.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: Not typically kept in aquariums due to size and specialized needs.
- Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Not suitable for typical home aquariums. In very large public aquariums, compatible with other large, peaceful marine species.
- Special requirements: Requires very large, species-specific setups with deep sand beds for foraging and ample swimming space. Not recommended for hobbyists.
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: Variable, generally moderate to high depending on region and market demand.
- Commercial importance: high
- Taste: Mild, slightly sweet, delicate flavor.
- Texture: Flaky, white, tender flesh.
- Cooking methods: Steaming, Frying, Grilling, Baking, Curries
- Nutritional value: Good source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Key Facts
Spiny Cheekinteresting
The common name 'Spinycheek' directly refers to the distinctive spine located on the suborbital bone, a key identification feature.
Caudal Filamentbehavior
Adults of Nemipterus zysron develop a long, yellow filament on the upper lobe of their caudal fin, which can be used to distinguish them from similar species.
Demersal Foragerbehavior
This species is a bottom-dweller, primarily feeding on small benthic invertebrates and fishes, playing an important role in the marine food web.
Widespread Distributioninteresting
Nemipterus zysron has a broad geographic range across the Indo-West Pacific, indicating its adaptability to various soft-bottom marine environments.
Safety Information
Handle with care- Safety level: caution
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: While not venomous, the Spinycheek Threadfin Bream possesses sharp dorsal and anal fin spines, as well as the characteristic suborbital spine. Care should be taken when handling to avoid punctures, which can be painful and lead to secondary infections. Use gloves or a towel when removing from hooks.
Similar Species
Ornate Threadfin Bream
Nemipterus hexodon
N. hexodon typically has more pronounced yellow stripes on the body, a more robust body, and lacks the prominent suborbital spine of N. zysron. The caudal filament, if present, is usually less developed or absent in N. hexodon.
Japanese Threadfin Bream
Nemipterus japonicus
N. japonicus generally has a more reddish body, a longer caudal filament (often red or yellow), and typically lacks the distinct suborbital spine. Its body stripes are often more numerous and distinct.
Rosy Threadfin Bream
Nemipterus peronii
N. peronii has a more uniform rosy coloration, often lacks distinct body stripes, and does not possess the prominent suborbital spine. Its caudal fin filament is usually less developed or absent.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Nemipteridae
- Genus
- Nemipterus
- Species
- N. zysron
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