Latin name

Nemipterus peronii

Other name

Notchedfin butterfly bream, rosy threadfin bream, Peron's threadfin bream.

Identification

The body of the Notchedfin Threadfin has a standard length that is 3.1-4.1 times its depth, and the snout is approximately equal in length to the diameter of the eye. There are 3 or 4 pairs of canines, resembling fangs, on the front of the upper jaw. The suborbital process is absent. Forearm with 3 transverse rows of scales. Axillary scales are present.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin of this species rests on 10 spines and 9 soft rays, while the anal fin contains 3 spines and 7 soft rays. The spines of the dorsal fin are elongated and there is a deep notch between the spined part of the dorsal fin and the soft ray part. The short pectoral fins do not reach the posterior passage, while the moderately long pelvic fins reach the level of the posterior passage. The caudal fin has a deep fork, the upper part of which is pointed and slightly longer than the lower part. 

Fish colouring

The upper body of the Notchedfin Threadfin Bream is pinkish with 7 or 8 vaguely outlined pink saddle-shaped markings extending to the lateral line or slightly beyond. The underside is silvery and the scale rows are marked with indistinct golden lines. There is a vague reddish spot just below the front edge of the lateral line. The snout has a golden line across the nostrils. There is a silvery purple area under the eye, and the preoperculum and eyelid have a golden sheen. The dorsal fin is generally pale whitish pink with a pale yellow line or series of spots at the base and orange tips of the spines. The anal fin is similar in color to the dorsal fin, but has a yellow tinge in the middle. The caudal fin is pinkish, the pelvic fins are white with yellow scales at the base, and the pectoral fins are translucent.

Distribution

Widespread in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is found in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, along the coasts of Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka, eastward to the western Pacific Ocean, where it extends northward to southern Japan and southward to Australia. 

Habitat

A tropical marine benthic species. The Notchedfin Threadfin Bream occurs on sandy and muddy substrates at depths of 17 to 100 m (56 to 328 ft).

Size

The maximum published standard length of this fish is 11 inches (29 cm), although a length of 6.7 inches (17 cm) is more typical.

Behavior

It is a non-migratory species. It is usually found in rather nervous groups during daylight hours. 

Food and feeding habits

Notchedfin Threadfin Bream feeds on fish, crustaceans, polychaetes and mollusks. 

Reproduction

In the South China Sea, it has two long spawning seasons, one from November to February and the other beginning in May or June.

Fishing

This species is commercially important for fishing. Caught by hand lines and bottom trawls, often mixed with other Nemipteridae. Commercial fishing for this species occurs in the Strait of Malacca and in the South China Sea off the coast of Terengganu in Malaysia. 

Relationship with a person

Harmless. This species can be found in small quantities in local fish markets and can be sold both fresh and dried salted.