How to Identify Smallspotted dart

To identify Smallspotted dart (Trachinotus botla), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery body, often with a darker dorsal surface fading to white on the belly. Characterized by numerous small, dark, irregularly shaped spots scattered along the upper half of the body, particularly above the lateral line. Fins are typically dusky or yellowish.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Numerous small, dark spots on the upper flanks., Deeply forked caudal fin., Relatively small mouth., Compressed, oval-shaped body.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with 6-7 short, stout spines, the second with 1 spine and 20-24 soft rays. The anterior rays of the second dorsal fin are elongated.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Short and falcate (sickle-shaped).

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 18-21 soft rays. Both dorsal and anal fins have elongated anterior lobes.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Spots

   Look for numerous small, dark, irregularly shaped spots scattered predominantly on the upper half of the body, above the lateral line. These spots are generally smaller and more numerous than those on similar species.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   The body is distinctly compressed and oval to rhomboid in shape, typical of pompanos.

3. 3

   Caudal Fin

   A deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes is characteristic.

4. 4

   Fin Lobes

   The anterior lobes of both the second dorsal and anal fins are noticeably elongated.

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