How to Identify Spinycheek Threadfin Bream

To identify Spinycheek Threadfin Bream (Nemipterus zysron), look at these key features.

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

1. 1

   Suborbital spine

   Look for a distinct, sharp spine located below the eye on the suborbital bone. This is a key diagnostic feature.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   Body coloration and stripes

   Observe the silvery-pink to reddish body with indistinct yellowish longitudinal stripes and a yellow opercular blotch or stripe.

4. 4

   Fin ray counts

   Accurate identification often relies on meristic counts: Dorsal fin X, 9; Anal fin III, 7.

Explore Spinycheek Threadfin Bream