Latin name

Chirocentrus dorab

Other name

Chirocentrus dorab

Identification

The Dorab wolf-herring has an elongated body, strongly compressed at the sides and covered with fine, easily shed cycloid scales. The mouth is large, upper, with fang-like teeth on both jaws. The two anterior fangs on the upper jaw are enlarged. The first gill arch has 17-22 gill stamens, three on the upper part and 12-16 stamens on the lower part. Abdominal keel scales reduced. There is no lateral line. No pyloric appendages. Vertebrae 72-75, including 42-45 trunk vertebrae and 27-31 caudal vertebrae.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal and anal fins are shifted to the posterior half of the body. The short dorsal fin has 16-19 soft rays, of which the first 4-5 rays are unbranched. The long anal fin has 29-36 soft rays (the first 3-4 rays are unbranched). Pectoral fins with 12-15 soft rays, closer to the belly. Their length is 11-13% of the standard body length. Pelvic fins with 6-8 rays, the first ray unbranched; located in the middle part of the abdomen (ventral). The axillary plates on the anterior edge of the pectoral fins are well developed, their length is ¾ the length of the fin. The caudal fin is notched, homocercal. The adipose fin is absent. 

Fish colouring

The back of the Dorab is bluish-green, the sides and belly are silver. The upper edge of the dorsal fin is black. The leading edge of the anal fin is dark. Pectoral and caudal fins are dark grey with a yellowish tinge.

Distribution

Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region. Indian Ocean: from southern Africa (KwaZulu-Natal) along the coast of East Africa to the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, including Madagascar, Seychelles, Mascarene Islands, Socotra Archipelago and further east along the coast of South and South East Asia to Indonesia and Western Australia. Pacific Ocean: from northern Japan to northern Australia and New Caledonia, including Fiji and Tonga.

Habitat

Tropical marine pelagic amphidromous fish associated with reefs. Found in coastal waters at depths from 0 to 120m.

Size

Maximum length for males is 100 cm, for females 36.6 cm. The usual length of males is up to 60 cm. 

Behavior

Occurs near shore, including in brackish waters.

Food and feeding habits

Active predators. Feeds mainly on fish (mackerel, herring, anchovy). Cannibalism has been observed. Diet also includes pelagic crustaceans (prawns, crabs) and squid. Cases of food addiction have been observed.

Reproduction

Off the coast of India, females of this species (50% of the population) first mature at 49.2 cm body length and males at 48.6 cm body length at 10 months of age. Spawning occurs throughout the year with a peak in September to October. Females are thought to spawn several times a year. The fecundity of females at 58.7 cm body length was 60,000 eggs.

Fishing

Valuable commercial fish. Thailand, Pakistan and India are the major catchers. Fishing is carried out using seine nets and gill nets. 

Relationship with a person

Harmless. They are sold fresh and frozen, and are also used in the production of canned food.