Latin name

Sardinella brachysoma

Other names

Indian herring, Indian sprat.

Identification

Body deep; total number of scales from 29 to 32. Vertical furrows on the scales overlapping or sometimes continuous in the middle of the scales, numerous small holes on the posterior part of the scales. Differs from other deep-sea species mainly by the smaller number of gill stamens and the presence of a dark spot on the dorsal fin.

Features of fish fins

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

Fish colouring

Very similar to S. hualiensis, which has dark dorsal and caudal fin tips. 

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: Madagascar, Madras, Indonesia, Northern Australia. 

Habitat

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

Size

Maximum length: 13 cm. Normal length: 12 cm.

Behavior

Form schools in coastal waters.

Food and feeding habits

The diet consists of zooplankton and phytoplankton, mainly paddle crayfish.

Reproduction

Spawning occurs in the coastal zone, with juveniles developing close to shore in the warm waters of estuaries and lagoons.

Fishing

Of negligible commercial value. Of no interest to fishermen.

Relationship with a person

A species harmless to humans.