Come identificare Mendole

Per identificare Mendole (Spicara maena), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

elongated

Colorazione

Overall silvery-grey to brownish-grey, often with iridescent reflections. Males, especially during breeding, can display more vibrant blue, yellow, and orange hues. A prominent, often rectangular or blotchy, dark spot is typically present on the lateral line, below the anterior part of the dorsal fin. Fins are generally translucent or slightly yellowish.

Tipo di squame

ctenoid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Highly protractile mouth, forming a tube when extended., Distinctive dark blotch on the flank, usually below the dorsal fin., Elongated, compressed body., Large eyes relative to head size.

Pinna dorsale

Single dorsal fin with 10-11 spines and 10-12 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.

Pinna caudale

Forked caudal fin.

Pinna pettorale

Long and pointed pectoral fins.

Pinne distintive

Anal fin with 3 spines and 9-10 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for an elongated, compressed body with a silvery-grey to brownish-grey base color. The presence of a distinct dark, often rectangular or blotchy, spot on the lateral line below the dorsal fin is a key identifier.

2. 2

   Mouth

   Observe the highly protractile mouth, which can be extended forward to form a tube, a characteristic feature of the Centracanthidae family.

3. 3

   Fin Count

   Count the dorsal fin spines (10-11) and soft rays (10-12), and anal fin spines (3) and soft rays (9-10) for confirmation, though this requires close examination.

4. 4

   Sexual Dimorphism

   During breeding season, males exhibit more intense coloration, particularly blue, yellow, and orange hues, which can aid in identification of mature individuals.

Esplora Mendole