Valamugil speigleri (Bleeker, 1858)

(Figure: 4)

D1: IV; D2: 8–9 A: III, 9; Pc: 14–16; Pl: I, 5 L. S: 37–39; T.S: 11–12

Local name. Boi, Pharra (Sin); Murbo, Anjara (Bal)

FAO name. Speigler’s mullet

Material examined. 10 specimens of 146–326 mm TL.

Diagnosis. Body depth 25–29% of SL at origin of first dorsal fin, 21–23% of SL at anal and second dorsal fins, and 12–13% SL at caudal peduncle. First dorsal fin origin is nearer to the snout tip than to caudal fin base. Second dorsal fin origin is posterior to a quarter of anal fin base. Pectoral fin length is 24–26% of SL and 85–92% HL. Pectoral axillary scale is long and distinct. Scale numbers: Scale numbers: 37–39 in longitudinal series and 11–12 scales in transverse series.

Description. Body robust. Head depth is more than its width and dorsally flattened. Length of head is almost equal to body depth at first dorsal fin origin. Snout blunt and short. Adipose eye fold covers most of the eye. Ter-minal mouth, thin lips, upper jaw extends slightly beyond the lower jaw. Maxilla slender and slightly curved down posteriorly, hind tip of maxilla complete or partially hidden when mouth closed. Nostrils widely separated from each other, the upper rim of orbit levels with posterior nostril, anterior nostril is closer to lip than posterior nostril. Both dorsal fins are scaled antero-basally and emarginated. Caudal fin is forked. First pectoral fin has 14–16 spines and is long past beyond the level of first dorsal fin origin. Pelvic fin is smaller than pectoral fin and closer to the first dorsal fin origin than to posterior part of the head. Scales are ctenoid with membranous, digitated hind margin.

Color. Bluish green dorsally, abdomen and flanks silvery, caudal and first dorsal fin with black margin, pectoral fin yellowish with black spot at its base, anal and ventral fins yellowish white.

Distribution. Karachi fishing port, WWFH (Sandpit), Jiwani, Pasni and Gwadar coast.