Fin's Fish Guide
The Five spot herring (Hilsa kelee) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Description
The kelee shad is a herring relative from coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a deep, silvery, laterally compressed body with a row of a few dark shoulder spots. It schools in large numbers in shallow coastal water and river mouths and filters small zooplankton from the water; it enters estuaries to spawn. It is an important local food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Five spot herring?
The Five spot herring has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Row of dark shoulder blotches; schooling plankton filterer
Where does the Five spot herring live?
The Five spot herring lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Five spot herring get?
The Five spot herring grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 17 cm.
Is the Five spot herring dangerous to humans?
No, the Five spot herring 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 Five spot herring edible?
Yes, the Five spot herring is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Five spot herring?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Five spot herring is one of 12,519 species in the app.