GENETIC VARIABILITY AND DIFFERENTIATION ... - ePrints@USM

Taxonomic classification:
Taxonomic description:
Phylum : Chordata
Subphylum : Vertebrata
Class : Actinopterygii
Subclass : Teleostomi
Order : Perciformes
Family : Centropomidae
Genus : Lates
Species : Lates calcarifer (Bloch)
The species has a compressed and elongate body with a deep caudal peduncle
(Figure 2.1). The head is pointed with a concave dorsal profile becoming convex in
front of the dorsal fin. Its mouth is large, slightly oblique with its upper jaw reaching
behind the eye; the teeth are villiform with no canines present. The lower edge of the
pre-operculum has a strong spine; the operculum has a small spine with a serrated flap
above the origin of the lateral line. Its lower first gill is arched with 16 to 17 gill rakers.
Scales are large, ctenoid. The dorsal fin has 7 to 9 spines and 10 to 11 soft rays with a
very deep notch almost dividing the spiny from soft part of the fin. The pectoral fin is
short and rounded with several short, strong serrations above its base.
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