New Record of Dolphin fish species (Pompano Dolphin: Coryphaena equiselis- Linnaeus, 1758) Family Coryphaenidae in Sidi Kerir area, west off Alexandria, Egyptian Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

Twenty five morphometric characters of coryphaena equiselis (family: coryphaenidae) were taken for the identification of this species. The body elongated and laterally compressed with a deeply forked caudal fin. The fins have no spines but contain the number of rays; dorsal-fin rays (57), pectoral fin rays (22), each ventral fin rays (5), anal fin rays (25) and vertebrae count (33). The body depth is less than 25% of its standard length (SL). This low value is attributed to the vent fullness. The head is blunt, the dorsal fin extends above the eye to the caudal fin forming about 86.9% of SL. Anal fin started slightly in front of the midpoint of the body (40.0% SL). Pectoral fins and ventral fin bases are situated on the same vertical line between them. Each pectoral fin length about 12.04% of its standard length (SL), that considered as one of the main distinguish characters of this species where each pectoral fin length about 1/2 head length. The tooth patch on the tongue is a rough spot of tooth-like structures present on the tongue, large and square in shape; dorsal and pectoral fins black while ventral, anal and caudal fins are white. The presence of black small dots scattered on head and the trunk of the body.