Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic piquitinga (Lile piquitinga) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The Atlantic piquitinga is a small herring relative from the western Atlantic, from the Caribbean to Brazil. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a slender, laterally compressed, silvery body with a shiny lateral band. It forms large schools in shallow coastal, lagoon and estuarine water and filters small zooplankton. As a bait and food fish it is locally important. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic piquitinga?
The Atlantic piquitinga has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender silvery schooling body with a shiny lateral band
Where does the Atlantic piquitinga live?
The Atlantic piquitinga lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic
How big does the Atlantic piquitinga get?
The Atlantic piquitinga grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Atlantic piquitinga dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic piquitinga 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 Atlantic piquitinga edible?
Yes, the Atlantic piquitinga is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lile
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic piquitinga?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic piquitinga is one of 12,519 species in the app.