Fin's Fish Guide
The Azov kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Ponto-Caspian region: brackish and fresh water of the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea, with the lower reaches of large rivers and reservoirs.
Description
The Azov kilka, known locally as tyulka, is a small, slender herring-like fish of the family Clupeidae reaching about 15 cm. The streamlined, silvery body has a bluish back and a shining belly ending in a saw-edged keel of scutes. The species comes from the Ponto-Caspian region and lives in schools in brackish and fresh water of the Black, Azov and Caspian Sea basins, including the lower reaches of large rivers and reservoirs. In open water it filters zooplankton, mainly copepods and water fleas. In spring it spawns in shallow, often brackish water. Because of its enormous schools it is an important prey for predatory fish and a valued commercial species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Azov kilka?
The Azov kilka has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, slender herring-like fish with a shiny silver belly that ends in a serrated keel of scutes; forms enormous shoals.
Where does the Azov kilka live?
The Azov kilka lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Ponto-Caspian region: brackish and fresh water of the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea, with the lower reaches of large rivers and reservoirs.
How big does the Azov kilka get?
The Azov kilka grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Azov kilka dangerous to humans?
No, the Azov kilka is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Azov kilka edible?
Yes, the Azov kilka is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Clupeonella
More from the family Clupeidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Azov kilka is one of 12,519 species in the app.