Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded ilisha (Ilisha striatula) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pristigasteridae that grows up to 18 cm.
Description
The Banded ilisha is a herring relative (Pristigasteridae) from coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a strongly laterally compressed, bright-silvery body with a sharply keeled, serrated belly and an upturned mouth. As an open-water schooling fish it swims in dense groups in turbid coastal waters and river mouths and filters small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded ilisha?
The Banded ilisha has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Banded ilisha live?
The Banded ilisha lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Australia, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan
How big does the Banded ilisha get?
The Banded ilisha grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Banded ilisha dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded 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.
Is the Banded ilisha edible?
The Banded ilisha is rarely eaten.
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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 Banded ilisha?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded ilisha is one of 12,519 species in the app.