Latin name

Dussumieria elopsoides

Other name

Dussumieria elopsoides

Identification

The slender rainbow sardine has a pronounced, slightly flattened body covered with large cycloid scales, body length 4.6-6.3 times less than length. The abdomen is rounded, the keel is absent (there is a W-shaped keel scale at the base of the pelvic fins). The length of the small head is 4 times less than the length of the body and 3.6 times more than the length of the snout. The length of the upper jaw of the large mouth is about 80% of the length of the snout, the jaw stopping just short of the edge of the eye socket. The premaxillary bone is rectangular and forms the characteristic shape of the mouth. There are small teeth on the jaws, vomer, tongue. The gill rakers are lanceolate. There is a thin fatty eyelid. 

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin is closer to the caudal fin than to the snout. The anal fin is small. The pelvic fins are opposite the dorsal fin. The caudal fin is bifurcated. The dorsal fin has 16-18 rays; anal fin 14-18; pectoral fin 14-15; pelvic fin 8; stamens on 1st gill arch 21-32; lateral line 42-46 scales; gill rays 13-17. 

Fish colouring

Back is grayish brown, head and sides are light brown, belly is silver, dorsal and caudal fins are light brown, anal and pelvic fins are whitish. The band along the posterior edge of the scales is absent.

Distribution

Widespread in the Indian Ocean from the Suez Canal and Red Sea, along the coasts of Pakistan, India and Malaysia to the western Pacific (China and Solomon Islands). 

Habitat

This marine pelagic fish is found in coastal waters.

Size

The maximum length of this species is 20 cm.

Behavior

These mobile fish make short migrations within their habitat. 

Food and feeding habits

These fish feed on zooplankton.

Reproduction

The Slender Rainbow Sardine reaches sexual maturity at about 2 years of age with a body length of 13-15 cm. Life expectancy is estimated at 4-5 years. The spawning stock is dominated by fish 2-3 years old and 14-17 cm in size. 

Fishing

This fish serves as a local fishery. It is sold fresh, can be dried or salted.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.