How to Identify Ornate Pimelodid

To identify Ornate Pimelodid (Pimelodus ornatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

The body is typically silvery-grey to brownish-grey, adorned with prominent, dark, irregular blotches or bands that often extend onto the fins. The dorsal fin often has a distinctive dark blotch or stripe. The caudal fin is deeply forked and may have dark margins. The barbels are long and often banded.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Three pairs of long barbels (one maxillary, two mandibular), with the maxillary barbels extending beyond the caudal fin in adults., A prominent adipose fin., A strong, serrated spine at the leading edge of the dorsal and pectoral fins., Distinctive dark blotches or bands on the body and fins.

Dorsal fin

One short, high dorsal fin with a strong, serrated spine and 6-7 soft rays, followed by a prominent adipose fin.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins with a strong, serrated spine and several soft rays.

Distinctive fins

The adipose fin is relatively large and well-developed. The dorsal and pectoral spines are capable of locking into an erect position.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Pattern

   Look for the characteristic irregular dark blotches or bands on a silvery-grey to brownish background. These patterns can vary but are generally distinct.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Observe the three pairs of very long barbels, especially the maxillary barbels which can extend past the caudal fin. These are crucial sensory organs.

3. 3

   Fin Spines

   Note the strong, serrated spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins. These are a key feature of Pimelodidae.

4. 4

   Adipose Fin

   The presence of a well-developed adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins is characteristic.

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