Come identificare Sand Smelt

Per identificare Sand Smelt (Atherina boyeri), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

elongated

Colorazione

Silvery body with a distinct, iridescent silver lateral stripe running from the operculum to the caudal fin base. The dorsal surface is typically greenish-grey to olive, fading to white on the ventral side. Fins are generally translucent.

Tipo di squame

cycloid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Two widely separated dorsal fins, the first with 6-10 flexible spines and the second with 1 spine and 8-16 soft rays., Anal fin with 1 spine and 10-19 soft rays., Large, cycloid scales., Relatively large eyes., Small, terminal mouth.

Pinna dorsale

Two separate dorsal fins; the first is spiny, the second is soft-rayed. First dorsal fin originates behind the pectoral fin base.

Pinna caudale

Forked caudal fin.

Pinna pettorale

Short and somewhat pointed, located high on the body.

Pinne distintive

The widely separated nature of the two dorsal fins is a key characteristic of the Atherinidae family.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for a slender, elongated, silvery body with a prominent silver lateral stripe. The dorsal side is darker, often greenish-grey.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fins

   Observe the two distinctly separate dorsal fins. The first is spiny and originates behind the pectoral fin base, while the second is soft-rayed.

3. 3

   Scale Size

   Atherina boyeri has relatively large cycloid scales compared to some other atherinids.

4. 4

   Mouth Position

   The mouth is small and terminal, pointing forward.

5. 5

   Fin Ray Counts

   For precise identification, count the fin rays: First dorsal fin (6-10 spines), Second dorsal fin (1 spine, 8-16 soft rays), Anal fin (1 spine, 10-19 soft rays).

Esplora Sand Smelt