Fin's Fish Guide
The Bonga (Ethmalosa fimbriata) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 46 cm.
Eastern central Atlantic from Western Sahara to Angola; sometimes enters freshwater rivers.
Description
The bonga shad is a clupeid of the family Clupeidae reaching about 46 cm. The compressed, fairly deep body has keeled belly scutes, golden tints and a faint dark spot behind the gill cover; the upper jaw bears a notch into which the tip of the lower jaw fits. The species is a filter feeder that sieves phytoplankton, chiefly diatoms, from the water with very fine gill rakers. It lives pelagically in shallow coastal waters, lagoons and estuaries of the eastern central Atlantic and sometimes enters freshwater rivers. The bonga shad forms large schools and is a very important and sought-after food fish in West Africa.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bonga?
The Bonga has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. Herring-like fish with keeled ventral scales (scutes), a notch in the upper jaw and golden tints; filters phytoplankton with fine gill rakers.
Where does the Bonga live?
The Bonga lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern central Atlantic from Western Sahara to Angola; sometimes enters freshwater rivers.
How big does the Bonga get?
The Bonga grows to a maximum of about 46 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Bonga dangerous to humans?
No, the Bonga is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bonga edible?
Yes, the Bonga is a highly prized food fish.
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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 Bonga is one of 12,519 species in the app.