Bulletin 7 - April 1979: Checklist of Fishes Identified in Abu Dhabi Waters

Checklist of Fishes Identified in Abu Dhabi Waters

Over the past two years a variety of fish common to the Gulf has been observed, recorded and identified.

The following table lists the fish so far identified. There are still many fish on record that remain unidentified due to incomplete research work. Hopefully this backlog will be cleared in the near future and the results published.

In the table below local Arabic names have yet to be established for numbers 1, 3, 8, 12 and 29. Fish number 15 has yet to have its common English name established. Members’ participation is kindly requested.

It is interesting to note that numbers 21 and 22 have the same name in Arabic. This often happens with both Arabic and English names and is one reason why the scientific (Latin) names should always be used when identifying fishes.

Fish numbers 1, 3, 16, 18, 24 and 31 have been discussed in detail in the current series “Fishes of Abu Dhabi” in the Bulletin.

Fish Recording

Record forms are available for the purpose of fish recording. Completed forms have been received but not in the quantity originally anticipated. Greater member participation is requested. So, all you sailors and anglers, why not take a record form on your next trip.

When recording a description of a particular fish the more detail given the better. Often a simple line sketch, drawn on the reverse side of the form, accompanied by fin, spine and ray count and meristic details can lead to a positive identification. Further details are given in Bulletin No. 4, “The Identification of Fishes” and Bulletin No. 2, “Parts of a Bony Fish”

When checking the meristic details of fish specimens take great care over the spinous fins, as these are usually very sharp and sometimes poisonous. Handling with leather gloves is preferred, especially for larger specimens.