Fin's Fish Guide
The Amazon ilisha (Ilisha amazonica) is a freshwater fish of the family Pristigasteridae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The Amazon ilisha is a herring relative (Pristigasteridae) from the lower reaches and mouth of the Amazon and adjacent coastal waters of South America. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a slender, strongly laterally compressed, bright-silvery body with a sharply saw-edged, keeled belly and an upturned mouth. As a social schooling fish it swims in turbid water and eats small zooplankton, shrimp and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Amazon ilisha?
The Amazon ilisha has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Amazon ilisha live?
The Amazon ilisha lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Brazil, Colombia, Peru
How big does the Amazon ilisha get?
The Amazon ilisha grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Amazon ilisha dangerous to humans?
No, the Amazon ilisha is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Want the complete picture on the Amazon ilisha?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Amazon ilisha is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ilisha
More from the family Pristigasteridae
Want the complete picture on the Amazon ilisha?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Amazon ilisha is one of 12,519 species in the app.