Come identificare African Threadfin, African Pompano

Per identificare African Threadfin, African Pompano (Alectis ciliaris), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

compressed

Colorazione

Silvery-white to silvery-blue on the flanks, fading to white on the belly. Juveniles may have faint vertical bars or blotches. Fins are typically dusky or yellowish.

Tipo di squame

cycloid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Extremely elongated, filamentous dorsal and anal fin rays in juveniles (up to 8 times body length), Highly compressed, deep, rhomboidal body shape, especially in juveniles, Steeply rising head profile, Small, embedded scales, giving a smooth appearance, Absence of scutes on the lateral line (unlike many other Carangids)

Pinna dorsale

Two dorsal fins; the first with 7-8 short, embedded spines (often disappearing with age), the second with 1 spine and 18-20 soft rays. The anterior soft rays are greatly elongated in juveniles.

Pinna caudale

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pinna pettorale

Long, falcate (sickle-shaped) pectoral fins.

Pinne distintive

Anal fin with 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 15-17 soft rays. Anterior soft rays are greatly elongated in juveniles, mirroring the dorsal fin.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Juvenile Fin Filaments

   The most striking feature of juveniles is the presence of extremely long, trailing filaments from the dorsal and anal fins. These are unmistakable.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   The highly compressed, deep, and almost disc-like body shape, especially in younger individuals, is a key identifier.

3. 3

   Absence of Scutes

   Unlike many other members of the Carangidae family, Alectis ciliaris lacks prominent scutes (hard, bony plates) along the lateral line, which feels smooth to the touch.

4. 4

   Head Profile

   The steeply rising, almost vertical head profile is characteristic, particularly in adults.

Esplora African Threadfin, African Pompano