Taxonomy of Finfish (1+2)

3.3.9.1.17 Sciaenidae (Croakers, Drums, Meagres)

 

• Head and body scaled except at extreme part of snout
• Sensory pores present on tip of snout (rostral pores), on lower edge of snout (marginal pores) and on chin (mental pores); usually 3 to 5 rostral pores on top of snout, 5 nearer anterior margin of mouth and 3 pairs on lower jaw.

Bottom feeders (Johnius sp.) - well developed rostral and mental pores.

Mid water feeders (Otolithes, Argyrosomus) - the pores are indistinct.

One or more mental barbels present on chin (Dendrophysa nusselli, Jhonius dussumieri) or with a pore at tip of barbel (Umbrina)

• Mouth terminal (Otolithes, Pennalia), subterminal (Protonibea), inferior (Jhonius, Umbrina) or lower jaw projecting (Atractoscion)
• Dorsal fin long continuous with a deep notch between the anterior (spinous) and posterior (soft) portions.
• Anal fin with 2 spines of which the 2 nd is enlarged.
• Lateral line extends to hind margin of caudal fin.
• Scales - cycloid on head/ctenoid on body or only cycloid (Jhonius dussumieri).

Eg. Johnieops vogleri

Note

Internal character such as shape and size of Otoliths and Swimbladder are helpful in identification of genera/species.

Similar Families

All other perch like fishes - Lateral line not extending to hind margin of caudal fin; anal fin with 3 spines.