Fin's Fish Guide
The Ganges shad (Gudusia chapra) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The Ganges shad is a small herring relative from fresh and brackish water of South Asia, in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with fine spots on the back. It schools in rivers, lakes and reservoirs and filters small zooplankton and algae from the water. It is an important local food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ganges shad?
The Ganges shad has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Silvery compressed body; schooling plankton filter feeder
Where does the Ganges shad live?
The Ganges shad lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. South Asia
How big does the Ganges shad get?
The Ganges shad grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Ganges shad dangerous to humans?
No, the Ganges shad 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 Ganges shad edible?
Yes, the Ganges shad is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gudusia
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Ganges shad?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ganges shad is one of 12,519 species in the app.