Scleropages jardini (Saville-Kent, 1892)
Species overview
Very similar to the other species of Scleropages. Head short, mouth wide, chin with short barble. Pectoral fin very long, pointed, anal fin short, abdominal, originating at about middle of body; base of dorsal short, base of anal fin long; caudal fin large, rounded.
Size observed: up to 90 cm.
Taxonomic description
The number of scales in the lateral line is 32-35. They are greenish-grey to brown on the back and coppery-gold on the flanks. S. jardini appears to lack body spots, having moon shaped edges to its scales. The fins are similar to, or darker than its body colour. This species has spots present on their fins and tail, S. leichardti has numerous small spots in lines. S. jardini having less but larger spots. The spots may be yellow to orange to red depending on the individual fish. S. jardini commonly shows a pattern of lines and or dots on and bordering its gill plate, this is absent in the more southern species (S. leichardti ).
Type locality
Not known.
Distribution
Northern Australia, Papua - New Guinea, West Irian.