Ilisha striatula Wongratana, 1983
Banded ilisha
Ilisha striatula
photo by FAO

Family:  Pristigasteridae (Pristigasterids)
Max. size:  18 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 50 m
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: Karachi to Madras and perhaps north to Calcutta. Specimens from the northwestern coasts of Australia may be this species. Almost certainly mistaken in the past for the very similar Ilisha melastoma in Indian waters.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 40-47. Belly with usually 18 to 21 - 7 to 9, total 26 to 29 scutes. Eye large, lower jaw projecting. Dorsal fin origin a little before midpoint of body; anal fin origin below final dorsal fin ray bases. Vertical striae on scale with a distinct gap across center of scale. Flanks with faint dark band. Swim bladder with two tubes passing back in the muscles on either side of haemal spines.
Biology:  Occurs in coastal waters, but probably also enters estuaries. Caught with Ilisha melastoma (Ref. 171). More data needed.
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 28 February 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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