Taxonomy of Finfish (1+2)

3.3.9.1.21 Drepanidae (Sicklefishes)

• Body very deep and strongly compressed
• Scales absent in front of eye and on opercle
• Mouth strongly protrusible
• Pectoral fins long and falcate
• Anal fin with 3 spines
• Hind margin of caudal fin rounded
• Lateral line strongly arched; no scutes

Eg. Drepane punctata

Similar Families

Ephippidae - Short pectoral fins and not falcate; mouth not protrusible.

Platacidae - Pectoral fins short and not falcate; 5 to 9 spines in dorsal fin, increasing in length posteriorly and not separated from soft part of fin by a notch.

Scatophagidae - 4 anal fin spines/small pectoral fins/head profile concave.