Table 2 Selected characters of R. sarba and R. haffara

Dorsal-fin rays

XI, 12–14 (usually 13)

XI, 12–13

Anal-fin rays

III, 10–11 (rarely 10)

III, 10

Pectoral-fin rays

14–16 (usually, 15)

15–16

Pored lateral-line scales

56–64

57–59

Scale rows above/below lateral-line

6½-8½ / 12½-14½

5½-6½ / 12½-13½

Scale rows between the fifth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line

6½ -7½

5½ - 6½

Gill rakers

5–6 + 7–9 = 12–15

6–7 + 8–9 = 14–16

Standard length/ body depth

2.0–2.2

2.4–2.6

Scales on preopercular flange

Absent

Absent

14 or 15 golden longitudinal lines on body

Present

Present

Dorsal head profile

Steep

Convex

Coloration of ventral area from breast to above end of anal fin

Silvery-white

Silvery-white

Body and head in color

Silvery with yellowish or gold sheen

Silvery