Fin's Fish Guide
The American coastal pellona (Pellona harroweri) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pristigasteridae that grows up to 18 cm.
South America: Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Guyana, Curaçao I. and others
Description
The American coastal pellona is a herring (Pristigasteridae) from coastal and estuarine water of the western Atlantic around Central and South America. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a strongly laterally compressed, bright-silvery body with a keeled, saw-edged belly and large eyes. As a social schooling fish it swims in open water and filters plankton and small crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the American coastal pellona?
The American coastal pellona has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the American coastal pellona live?
The American coastal pellona lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Guyana, Curaçao I. and others
How big does the American coastal pellona get?
The American coastal pellona grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the American coastal pellona dangerous to humans?
No, the American coastal pellona 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.
Is the American coastal pellona edible?
The American coastal pellona is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Pellona
More from the family Pristigasteridae
Want the complete picture on the American coastal pellona?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the American coastal pellona is one of 12,519 species in the app.