Blacksaddle herring (Herklotsichthys dispilonotus)

Latin name

Herklotsichthys dispilonotus 

Other name

Herklotsichthys dispilonotus 

Identification

Overlaps the range of H. quadrimaculatus, which lacks the black saddles and has elongate wing like scales below the usual paired pre-dorsal scales.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-21; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12-23.

Fish colouring

They are immediately distinguished from all other species of Herklotsichthys by the presence of two dark saddle-shaped spots on the back, behind the base of the dorsal fin and a short distance behind it. 

Distribution

West Central Pacific: Gulf of Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia.

Habitat

Marine tropical brackish pelagic-neritic species. Depth range 0 to 50 m. 

Size

Maximum length 8.5 cm.

Behavior

An unusually gregarious coastal species. 

Food and feeding habits

Nothing is known about the diet of Blacksaddle herring.

Reproduction

Oviparous. 

Fishing

Traditional methods such as rod and reel, arrows and harpoons, abandoned nets and small traditional fishing boats are used to catch this species. 

Relationship with a person

Harmless.