Latin name

Sardinella fimbriata

Other names

Sardinella fimbriata

Identification

They have a spindle-shaped body (its height is 25-34% of the total length), it is slightly compressed from the sides and covered with cycloid scales, the head is bare. The abdomen is more convex compared to the back. Gill stamens thin and smooth. Gill stamens on the lower part of the 1st arch 54-82, their number increases as the fish grows. On abdomen before pelvic fins 17-19 keeled scales, after pelvic fins 12-15 scales. 

Features of fish fins

The pelvic fins are located anterior to the center of the base of the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin has 17-20 rays. Anal fin 16-21. Pectoral fin 15-16. 

Fish colouring

The dorsal surface of the body is blue-green, the sides and belly are silver with yellow stripes on the sides. Fins are pale green. The snout and the edge of the caudal fin are olive. There is a dark spot at the base of the anterior rays of the dorsal fin.

Distribution

Occurs along the east coast of Hindustan, in the waters of Sri Lanka, in the Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, in the Gulf of Thailand, in the Gulf of Thailand, in the waters of the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Not found in the western Indian Ocean. 

Habitat

This marine tropical pelagic fish is found in coastal waters at 28°C. The depth range is from 0 to 50 meters.

Size

Maximum length 13.8 cm. Normal length 11 cm.

Behavior

Form schools in coastal waters. 

Food and feeding habits

The food consists of plankton. In September-November, fish feed mainly on zooplankton (Acartia, Evadne, Penilia, copepod eggs, crustacean larvae). Phytoplankton: Coscinodiscus, Euterpina are present in the diet in small amounts. From December to March the diet is based on Acartia, mussel larvae, Lucifer, Temora, Coscinodiscus and Schmackeria. From April to August they feed mainly on phytoplankton.

Reproduction

Single spawn from August to February. Older fish spawn first, followed by smaller and younger fish. Female fecundity varies from 5.5 to 41.7 thousand eggs. These fish reach sexual maturity at a body length of about 12 cm. Life expectancy is estimated at 3-4 years. 

Fishing

These fish are caught commercially mainly in India and Pakistan. They are mainly caught between September and November. They respond positively to light and form a dense school in the underwater light zone, which moves chaotically in the upper layers of water. This species is caught with purse seines, traps, fish pumps and trawls. 

Relationship with a person

It is less appreciated for its flavor than the Indian oil sardinella. These fish are used as bait in longline tuna fishing and for canning. They are marketed fresh frozen, dried and cooked.