How to Identify Lookdown Fish

To identify Lookdown Fish (Selene vomer), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery, highly reflective, often with iridescent blue or green hues dorsally. No distinct markings or bands in adults. Juveniles may have faint vertical bars.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Extremely deep, laterally compressed body, almost disc-like., Very steep, almost vertical head profile, giving the 'lookdown' appearance., Eyes positioned high on the head., Elongated anterior rays of the dorsal and anal fins, especially prominent in juveniles, which shorten with age., Small, embedded scales, giving a smooth appearance.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with 8 spines (the first 2-3 are very short and embedded), the second with 1 spine and 20-23 soft rays. The anterior soft rays are greatly elongated in juveniles.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Long and falcate (sickle-shaped).

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located beneath the pectoral fins. Anal fin has 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 17-19 soft rays, with anterior rays elongated like the dorsal.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the extremely deep, laterally compressed body and the very steep, almost vertical head profile. This is the most defining characteristic.

2. 2

   Eyes

   Note the high placement of the eyes on the head, contributing to its 'lookdown' name.

3. 3

   Fin Elongation

   In juveniles, observe the greatly elongated anterior rays of the dorsal and anal fins. These shorten proportionally as the fish matures.

4. 4

   Coloration

   The uniform silvery, iridescent body without prominent markings is characteristic of adults.

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