Fin's Fish Guide
The Big-eyed herring (Pellona ditchela) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Pristigasteridae that grows up to 16 cm.
Description
The Indian pellona is a herring-like fish of the family Pristigasteridae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a strongly laterally compressed, silvery body with a sharp, serrated belly keel. It is a pelagic species of coastal waters that also enters estuaries. As a predatory plankton feeder it feeds on small zooplankton and small invertebrates. It forms schools in the upper water layers. The Indian pellona is a local food fish eaten fresh or dried. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Big-eyed herring?
The Big-eyed herring has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Strongly flattened body with a sharp, serrated ventral keel; pelagic coastal schooling fish.
Where does the Big-eyed herring live?
The Big-eyed herring lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific; pelagic coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the Big-eyed herring get?
The Big-eyed herring grows to a maximum of about 16 cm. On average the species is around 13 cm.
Is the Big-eyed herring dangerous to humans?
No, the Big-eyed herring is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Big-eyed herring edible?
Yes, the Big-eyed herring is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pellona
More from the family Pristigasteridae
Want the complete picture on the Big-eyed herring?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Big-eyed herring is one of 12,519 species in the app.