How to Identify Snubnose Dart

To identify Snubnose Dart (Trachinotus Blochii), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults are typically silvery-grey dorsally, fading to white or silvery-white ventrally. The fins are often yellowish, particularly the caudal and anal fins. Juveniles may exhibit faint vertical bars on their flanks, which fade with age. Some individuals may display a golden or brassy sheen, especially when freshly caught.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Deeply compressed, oval-shaped body, Small, subterminal mouth, Short, blunt snout (hence 'snubnose'), Long, falcate (sickle-shaped) dorsal and anal fins in adults, Deeply forked caudal fin, Absence of scutes on the lateral line (a key differentiator from some other carangids)

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with 6-7 short, stout spines, the second with 1 spine and 18-20 soft rays. The soft dorsal fin is long and falcate in adults.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, with long, pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Relatively short and pointed, with 17-19 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 16-18 soft rays, also long and falcate in adults. Pelvic fins are small.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a very deep, compressed, and oval-shaped body. This is a key characteristic of the 'dart' or 'pompano' group within Trachinotus.

2. 2

   Snout and Mouth

   The 'snubnose' refers to its short, blunt snout and small, subterminal mouth, which is adapted for feeding on benthic invertebrates.

3. 3

   Fins

   Adults have notably long, falcate (sickle-shaped) soft dorsal and anal fins. The caudal fin is deeply forked. The absence of scutes on the lateral line is also a critical identification feature for the genus Trachinotus.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Generally silvery with yellowish fins, especially the caudal and anal fins. Juveniles may have faint vertical bars.

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