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ACRO

1983

FAO SPECIES IDENTIFICATION SHEETS

FISHING AREA 51
(W. Indian Ocean)

ACROPOMATIDAE

(= "Percichthyidae")

Glow-bellies and splitfins

Body oblong, more or less compressed. Mouth terminal; lower jaw slightly projecting; maxillae not covered
by preorbitals; 2 or 3 flat opercular spines; eye large; its diameter greater than distance from eye to maxilla;
small teeth on jaws, and on roof of mouth (vomer and palatines); canines in jaws of most species; gill membranes
separate, free from isthmus; branchiostegal rays 7. Dorsal fin divided to base before last spine, or completely
separated into spiny and soft-rayed fins; first part with 7 to 10 spines, second fin with 1 spine and 9 or 10 soft
rays; anal fin with 2 or 3 weak spines and 6 to 8 soft rays; pelvic fins with 1 spine and 5 soft rays, without a large
axillary process of fused scales; caudal fin emarginate to deeply forked. Vertebrae 10 + 15 = 25.

7 to 10 spines
1 spine

2 or 3 spines

*This motley and ill-defined assemblage of fishes is here adopted for the sake of convenience. The fishes here
assigned to the Acropomatidae are put in the Percichthyidae by some authors. The genus Percichthys
comprises 3 species of freshwater fishes in Chile and Argentina; they have 33 to 35 vertebrae and are not closely
related to acropomatids.
 -2-

FAO Sheets ACROMATIDAE Fishing Area 51

6 to 8 spines
SIMILAR FAMILIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA

Apogonidae: first dorsal fin with 6 to 8

spines (7 to 10 in Acropomatidae); anal fin with 2
spines and 8 to 18 branched soft rays (6 to 8 in
Acropomatidae); most species with a single oper-
cular spine (2 or 3 in Acropomatidae).

8 to 18 rays
Serranidae: dorsal fin not divided to base in
most species; soft dorsal fin rays more than 13; 2 spines
always 3 anal fin spines. Apogonidae

Emmelichthyidae: dorsal fin spines 12 or

13; pelvic axillary process well developed; mouth
very protrusile; maxilla scaled.

Pomatomidae: soft dorsal and anal fin rays

13 to 28; dorsal fin spines short.

3 spines
Serranidae

scaled mouth protruded

maxilla
Emmelichthyidae

Pomatomidae
 -3-

FAO Sheets ACROPOMATIDAE Fishing Area 51

KEY TO GENERA OCCURRING IN THE AREA :

1a. Anus nearer pelvic fin origins than to anal

fin; luminescent organ between pelvic
fins (Fig.1) ....................................…...... Acropoma

1b. Anus much nearer anal fin than to pelvics;

no light organ between pelvics
anus
2a. Scales ctenoid (rough to touch); no light organs (not visible externally)
canines in jaws (Fig.2) .................. Oxyodon

2b. Scales cycloid (smooth to touch);

canines present in one or both jaws
reflector pelvic fin
pectoral fin
3a. Anal fin with 3 spines; lateral
line scales 36 to 41 ......... Neoscombrops
underside
Acropoma Fig.1
3b. Anal fin with 2 spines; lateral
line scales 24 to 33 ................. Synagrops

LIST OF SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA:

Oxydon Fig.2
Code numbers are given for those species for which Identification Sheets are included

Acropoma japonicum Günther, 1859 ACRD Acro 1

Neoscombrops annectens Gilchrist, 1922
ACRD Neo 1
Neoscombrops cynodon Regan, 1921)
Oxyodon macrops Brauer, 1906

Synagrops adeni Kotthaus, 1970 ACRD Syn 1

Synagrops japonicus (Döderlein, 1884) ACRD Syn 2
(=Synagrops natalensis Gilchrist, 1921)
Synagrops pellucidus (Alcock, 1889)

Prepared by P.C. Heemstra, J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology, Grahamstown, South Africa

Part of drawings prepared by E.M. Tarr, J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology, Grahamstown, South Africa
 ACRO Acro 1
1983
FAO SPECIES IDENTIFICATION SHEETS

FAMILY: ACROPOMATIDAE FISHING AREA 51

(W. Indian Ocean)

Acropoma japonicum Günther, 1859

OTHER SCIENTIFIC NAMES STILL IN USE: None

VERNACULAR NAMES:
FAO: En - Glow-belly
Fr - Maconde luminaux
Sp - Farolito
NATIONAL:

DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERS:

Body oblong, more or less compressed. Two

large canines at front of upper jaw, between which
fits a pair of smaller canines at front of lower jaw;
sides of lower jaw with a row of tiny slender teeth
and several small canines; a narrow band of small,
sharp teeth on front half of upper jaw, becoming
broader posteriorly while teeth become smaller;
gillrakers 5 to 8 upper, and 15 to 18 lower, on first
gill arch. Anus closer to pelvic fin origins than to
anal fin; a light organ (not visible externally) anus
light organs
located between pelvic fins; light reflector a white, 3 spines
opalescent. opaque membrane on lower body profile
extending from isthmus to base of caudal fin. First
dorsal fin with 8 or 9 slender spines; second dorsal
fin with 1 spine and 10 soft rays; anal fin with 3
slender spines and 7 soft rays. Scales ctenoid, easily reflector pelvic fin
shed. underside
pectoral fin
Colour: body pink; ventral surface abruptly
silver and thickly covered with dark dots. At night or in
the dark, the entire ventral region is brightly
luminescent.
 DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA

Other species of Acropomatidae: anus closer to

anal fin than to origins of pelvic fins; no light organs.
Furthermore, scales cycloid (smooth to touch) and only
2 anal fin spines in Synagrops species.

SIZE:

Maximum: 17 cm.
Synagrops

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION AND BEHAVIOUR:

In the area, along the east coast of Africa from

the Gulf of Aden to Natal (South Africa), and along the
Western coast of India. Also known from the Philip-
pines, northern Australia and Japan.

PRESENT FISHING GROUNDS:

Trawlable bottoms in depths of 100 to 300 m.

CATCHES, FISHING GEAR AND FORMS OF UTILIZATION:

Separate statistics are not reported for this
species.

Caught with trawls.

Marketed fresh and reduced to fishmeal.

 ACRO Neo 1

1983

FAO SPECIES IDENTIFICATION SHEETS

FAMILY: ACROPOMATIDAE FISHING AREA 51

(W. Indian Ocean)

Neoscombrops annectens Gilchrist, 1922

OTHER SCIENTIFIC NAMES STILL IN USE: None

VERNACULAR NAMES:
FAO : En - Sombre splitfin
Fr - Maconde sombre
Sp - Maconda fusca
NATIONAL:

DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERS:

Body oblong, more or less compressed. A broad band of granular teeth in upper jaw and two widely-spaced
canines at symphysis; lower jaw with a row of small canines laterally, preceded by a short band of granular teeth
and 2 or 3 canines at symphysis; gillrakers 5 or 6 upper and 15 or 16 tower (not counting rudiments) on first gill
arch. Anus closer to anal fin than to pelvic fin origins; no light orqan between pelvic fins. First dorsal fin with 9 or
10 slender spines; second dorsal fin with 1 spine and 9 or 10 soft rays; anal fin with 3 spines and 7 soft rays;
pectoral fin rays 15 to 17. Scales cycloid (smooth to touch) easily shed; 36 to 41 lateral-line scales to base of
caudal fin.

Colour: head, body and fins dark brownish silver.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA:

Synagrops species: only 2 anal fin spines (3 opercular

in N. annectens); lateral-line scales 24 to 33 (36 spines
to 41 in N. annectens).

Oxyodon macrops: scales ctenoid (rough to

touch); no canines in jaws; opercle with 3 or 4
short spines dorsally; anal fin with 2 spines and 8
or 9 soft rays (3 spines and 7 soft rays in N.
annectens).

Acropoma japonicum: anus closer to pelvic

fin origins than to anal fin; a light organ present
between pelvic fins and a light reflector along Oxyodon macrops
lower profile of body.
anus reflector

SIZE:
anal
Maximum: 25 cm. pelvic fin fin

Acropoma japonicum
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION AND BEHAVIOUR: underside
Natal (South Africa), southern Mozambique
and Japan.

PRESENT FISHING GROUNDS:

Trawlable bottoms off southern Mozambique

in depths of 100 to 500 m.

CATCHES, FISHING GEAR AND FORMS OF UTILIZATION:

Separate statistics are not reported for this

species.

Caught with trawls.

Marketed fresh and reduced to fishmeal.

 ACRO Syn 1

1983

FAO SPECIES IDENTIFICATION SHEETS

FAMILY: ACROPOMATIDAE FISHING AREA 51

(W. Indian Ocean)

Synagrops adeni Kotthaus, 1970

OTHER SCIENTIFIC NAMES STILL IN USE: None

VERNACULAR NAMES:
FAO : En - Aden splitfin
Fr - Maconde aden
Sp - Maconda de Adén
NATIONAL:

DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERS:

Body oblong, more or less compressed. A band of villiform teeth in upper jaw, separated by a gap at
symphysis, with a large canine on each side of gap; lower jaw with a narrow band of small teeth anteriorly, 3 to 5
canines laterally, and a large pair of backward-pointing canines at symphysis; preopercular ride with 3 to 7 small
spines at angle; gill-rakers 5 or 6 upper and 17 to 19 lower (not counting rudiments on first gill arch. Anus closer
to anal fin than to pelvic fin origins; no light orqan between pelvic fins. First dorsal fin with 8 or 9 slender spines:
second dorsal with 1 spine and 9 soft rays; anal fin with 2 slender spines and 7 soft rays; pectoral fin rays 17;
pelvic fin spine serrate. Scales cycloid (smooth to touch), easily shed.

Colour: head and body pale brown or dusky.

 DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA:

Synagrops japonicus: pelvic fin spine smooth; opercular

gillrakers on lower limb of first arch 12 (15 or 16 in spines
S. adeni).

S. pellucidus: total gillrakers on first arch 20.

Oxydon macrops: scales ctenoid (rough to

touch); no canines in jaws; opercle with 3 or 4 short
spines dorsally; anal fin with 8 or 9 soft rays (7 in S. no canines 8 or 9 rays
adeni).
Oxyodon macrops
Neoscombrops annectens: anal fin spines 3;
15 or 16 gillrakers on lower limb of first arch; scales light
smaller, 36 to 41 along lateral line (33 in S. adeni). light organ anus reflector
Acropoma japonicum: anus closer to pelvic
fin origins than to anal fin; a light organ between
pelvic fins and a light reflector along lower profile
of body; 3 anal fin spines (2 in S. adeni). pelvic fin anal fin

Acropoma japonicum (underside)

SIZE:

Maximum: 11 cm.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION AND BEHAVIOUR:

Gulf of Aden south to Mombasa, Kenya.

PRESENT FISHING GROUNDS

Trawlable bottoms in depths of 280 to 600 m.

CATCHES, FISHING GEAR AND FORMS OF UTILIZATION:

Separate statistics are not reported for this species.

Caught with trawls.

Marketed fresh.
 ACRO Syn 2

1983

FAO SPECIES IDENTIFICATION SHEETS

FAMILY : ACROPOMATIDAE FISHING AREA 51

(W. Indian Océan)

Synagrops japonicus (Döderlein, 1884)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC NAMES STILL IN USE : Synagrops natalensis Gilchrist, 1921

VERNACULAR NAMES:
FAO : En - Japanese splitfin
Fr - Maconde bonche
Sp - Maconda boquinegra
NATIONAL:

DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERS:

Body oblong, more or less compressed. A band of villiform teeth in upper jaw, separated by a gap at
symphysis, with a large canine on each side of gap; lower jaw with a narrow band of small teeth anteriorly, 3 to 5
canines laterally, and a large pair of backward-pointing canines at symphysis; gillrakers 3 upper and 12 lower on
first arch; no spines on preopercular ridge. Anus closer to anal fin than to pelvic fin origins; no light organ
between pelvic fins. First dorsal fin with 8 or 9 slender spines; second dorsal fin with 1 spine and 9 or 10 soft
rays; anal fin with 2 slender spines and 7 or 8 soft rays. No fin spines serrate. Scales cycloid (smooth).
Colour: head, body and fins brownish black; pectoral fins pale.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE AREA:

Synagrops adeni and S. pellucidus: pelvic

fin spine serrate; preopercular ridge with spines.

Neoscombrops annectens: 3 anal fin spines

(2 in S. japonicus); 15 or 16 gillrakers on lower
limb of first arch (12 in S. japonicus).
Oxyodon macrops: scales ctenoid (rough to
touch); no canines in jaws; opercle with 3 or 4
short spines dorsally. opercular
serrate Synagrops adeni
spines
Acropoma japonicum: anus closer to pelvic
fin origins than to anal fin; a light organ between
no canines
pelvic fins and a light reflector along lower
profile of body; 3 anal fin spines.

SIZE:

Maximum: 30 cm.
Oxyodon macrops

light light
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION AND BEHAVIOUR: reflector
organ anus
Probably widely distributed throughout
Western Indian Ocean. Recorded from Natal
(South Africa) and off Kenya.
pelvic anal
fin fin

PRESENT FISHING GROUNDS: Acropoma japonicum (underside)

Trawlable bottoms in depths of 180 to 600 m.

CATCHES, FISHING GEAR AND FORMS OF UTILIZATION:

Separate statistics are not reported for this

species.

Caught with trawls.

Marketed fresh and used for fishmeal.

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