Ellochelon vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)
Description
Dorsal spines (total): 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 9. Diagnosis: This species is distinguished by the following characters: robust body; usually with 16 pectoral-fin rays; 25-29 longitudinal scales; 16 circumpeduncular scales; weakly ctenoid scales; adults with longer snout than eye diameter, shorter in juvenile; poorly developed adipose eyelid, forming narrow rim around eye; weak notch on anteroventral edge of preorbital; truncate caudal fin; colour olive-brown dorsally, flanks and belly silvery to whitish; about 6 brownish stripes on flank formed by longitudinal marks on scales; fins yellowish white with dusky margins except caudal fin yellow and pectoral black dorsally and yellow ventrally (completely black in young); no axillary scale visible in the pectoral fins (Ref. 9812, 90102).
Common Names
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Teleostei
Order: Mugiliformes
Family: Mugilidae
Genus: Ellochelon
Species: Ellochelon vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)
Climate Zone
Biology
Found in lagoons, reef flats, estuaries, and coastal creeks, in shallow coastal areas and protected sandy shores (Ref. 40488). Usually within tidal influence, but may enter fresh water, ascending 10 km into rivers (Ref. 40488). Forms large schools, frequently in mangrove areas (Ref. 2334). Juveniles may be found in rice fields and mangroves and may be used as bait fish (Ref. 9812). Oviparous, eggs are pelagic and non-adhesive (Ref. 205). Feeds on phytoplankton, small algae and detritus organisms (Ref. 89972). Caught in cast nets, stake nets, beach seines, and gill nets; marketed fresh and salted; boiled (Thailand), canned or frozen (Australia). Roe also marketed salted and juveniles used as bait fish (Ref. 9812)..
Habitat
freshwater
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Threat to Humans
Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Ellochelon vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)