Zo herken je Nilem

Om Nilem (Osteochilus vittatus) te herkennen, let op deze belangrijke kenmerken.

Fysieke kenmerken

Lichaamsvorm

elongated

Kleur

The body is generally silvery to grayish-silver, often with a darker dorsal region and a lighter, sometimes yellowish, ventral side. Juveniles may exhibit a faint lateral stripe that fades with age. Fins are typically translucent or slightly yellowish.

Schubtype

cycloid

Positie van de bek

subterminal

Onderscheidende kenmerken

Hard, horny sheath on the inner edge of both jaws, used for scraping algae and detritus., A pair of small maxillary barbels and a pair of rostral barbels, often inconspicuous., Lateral line complete, with 30-33 scales., Dorsal fin with 3-4 unbranched and 10-13 branched rays., Anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5 branched rays., Maximum standard length typically around 25-30 cm, though specimens up to 35 cm have been recorded.

Rugvin

Single, relatively tall dorsal fin, originating slightly anterior to the pelvic fins. The last unbranched ray is often ossified and serrated.

Staartvin

Deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes.

Borstvin

Paired pectoral fins are moderately sized, positioned ventrally.

Kenmerkende vinnen

Pelvic fins are abdominal, located beneath the dorsal fin origin. All fins are generally translucent or slightly yellowish.

Identificatietips

1. 1

   Mouth Structure

   Look for the distinctive hard, horny sheath on the inner edge of both jaws, which is a key characteristic of the genus Osteochilus and used for scraping.

2. 2

   Body Coloration

   The overall silvery-gray body, often with a darker back and lighter belly, is typical. Juveniles might show a faint lateral stripe.

3. 3

   Fin Ray Count

   Count the branched rays in the dorsal fin (10-13) and anal fin (5) for precise identification, especially when differentiating from closely related species.

4. 4

   Lateral Line Scales

   The complete lateral line with 30-33 scales is a consistent morphological feature.

Ontdek Nilem