How to Identify Burmese Kingfish

To identify Burmese Kingfish (Semiplotus modestus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults typically exhibit a silvery-grey to olive-brown body, often with a darker dorsal region fading to a lighter ventral side. Fins are generally dusky or translucent. Juveniles may show faint vertical banding or spots that fade with age. The operculum can have a metallic sheen.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Deep, laterally compressed body, Prominent, often slightly upturned snout, Large, cycloid scales, Absence of barbels, Dorsal fin origin anterior to pelvic fin origin, A distinct, often dark, spot at the base of the caudal fin in some individuals or life stages.

Dorsal fin

Single, tall dorsal fin with 3-4 unbranched rays and 8-9 branched rays. The anterior rays are typically longer, giving the fin a somewhat triangular shape.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Relatively short and rounded pectoral fins, typically with 15-17 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal, originating slightly behind the pectoral fin base. Anal fin is short with 3 unbranched and 5 branched rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a very deep and laterally compressed body, which is a key characteristic of the genus Semiplotus.

2. 2

   Snout

   Observe the snout, which is often prominent and slightly upturned, contributing to its distinctive head profile.

3. 3

   Barbels

   Confirm the absence of barbels around the mouth, a distinguishing feature from many other cyprinids.

4. 4

   Dorsal Fin

   Note the tall, triangular dorsal fin with its origin well in front of the pelvic fins.

5. 5

   Caudal Fin

   Identify the deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes.

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