How to Identify African River Sardine

To identify African River Sardine (Potamothrissa miri), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Overall silvery, often with a darker dorsal surface and lighter, almost white, ventral side. Fins are typically hyaline (transparent).

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Slender, fusiform body, Small, terminal mouth, Relatively large eyes, Absence of a lateral line, Ventral scutes present, forming a keel along the belly

Dorsal fin

Single, short-based dorsal fin located mid-body, typically with 10-12 soft rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, characteristic of fast-swimming pelagic species.

Pectoral fin

Small, low-set pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally. Anal fin is short-based, positioned posterior to the dorsal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for a slender, silvery body with a deeply forked tail. The overall appearance is very 'sardine-like'.

2. 2

   Fin Placement

   Note the single, relatively small dorsal fin positioned centrally on the back, and the small, abdominal pelvic fins.

3. 3

   Ventral Scutes

   Carefully observe the belly for a series of sharp, bony scutes forming a keel, a characteristic feature of clupeids.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults typically reach a maximum standard length of about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches).

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