Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 14 - 16. Belly rounded with 4 to 6 sharp needle-like pre-pelvic scutes. Maxilla tip pointed, projecting beyond second supra-maxilla and reaching to sub-operculum. Isthmus short, preceded by a small bony plate on urohyal between branchial membranes. Unbranched dorsal and anal fin rays only. Anal fin short. In life, a distinct blue upper edge to its lateral stripe and a dull silver or grey band on flank, the back beige.

Common Names

No common names available.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Clupeiformes

Family: Engraulidae

Genus: Encrasicholina

Species: Encrasicholina heteroloba (Rüppell, 1837)

Climate Zone

Location

Biology

A schooling species found inshore, but also inhabits deep bays under oceanic influence. Rarely enter mangrove waters (Ref. 43081). Probably feed mainly on planktonic crustaceans (e.g., copepods, Ref. 8591). Eggs are oval, without a knob at one end. Eggs occur intermittently in the lower reaches of mangrove waters (Ref. 43081). Utilized mostly for bait, but also for human consumption as dried fish or fermented sauce (Ref. 9987).

Habitat

brackish

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Threat to Humans

Harmless