Question

Identify the family of the fish species given in the picture 

 

• A. Cichlidae
• B. Terapontidae
• C. Nandidae
• D. Latidae

Hint:

Remember that Nandus nandus (mottled, leaf-like appearance with a large protruding mouth) is the classic representative of the family Nandidae.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Taxonomic identification of freshwater fishes is based on morphometric features, body profile, color patterns, mouth structure, and fin configurations.
The fish depicted in the image is a common freshwater species native to South Asia.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The fish shown in the picture is Nandus nandus, commonly known as the Gangetic leaffish or mud perch.
It is characterized by:
1. A highly compressed body with dark, mottled, and irregular blotches resembling a dry leaf (providing excellent camouflage).
2. A large, highly protractile mouth with fine teeth.
3. A continuous dorsal fin containing a prominent spiny portion and a smaller soft-rayed portion.
This species belongs to the family Nandidae (leaffishes).
Let us compare this with the other families listed:
- Cichlidae: Typically has a single nostril on each side and a interrupted lateral line (e.g., Tilapia).
- Terapontidae: Usually has characteristic horizontal parallel dark stripes along the body (e.g., Target perches).
- Latidae: Includes larger predatory perches like the Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer), which have a distinct concave dorsal head profile and two separate dorsal fins.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, the family of the fish species given in the picture is Nandidae.