Come identificare Redbelly Tilapia

Per identificare Redbelly Tilapia (Heterotilapia melanopleura), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

compressed

Colorazione

Body coloration varies, typically olive-green to brownish-grey dorsally, fading to lighter shades ventrally. The most distinctive feature is the reddish to orange coloration on the belly and lower flanks, especially pronounced in breeding males. A prominent dark spot is often present on the operculum (gill cover) and sometimes a series of vertical bars on the flanks. Fins can have reddish margins.

Tipo di squame

ctenoid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Reddish coloration on the belly and lower flanks, particularly during breeding., Dark opercular spot., Robust, deep body., Large, protractile mouth.

Pinna dorsale

Long, continuous dorsal fin with 15-17 spines and 11-13 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.

Pinna caudale

Caudal fin is typically rounded to truncate.

Pinna pettorale

Pectoral fins are relatively large and rounded.

Pinne distintive

Anal fin has 3 spines and 8-10 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Red Belly

   Look for the characteristic reddish or orange coloration on the ventral side, especially prominent in mature individuals and during breeding.

2. 2

   Opercular Spot

   A distinct dark spot on the gill cover is a key identifier.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Its deep, compressed body and relatively large head are typical.

4. 4

   Fin Spines

   Count the number of spines in the dorsal and anal fins (D: XV-XVII, 11-13; A: III, 8-10) for precise identification, though this requires close examination.

Esplora Redbelly Tilapia