Fin's Fish Guide
The Hatchet herring (Ilisha fuerthii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pristigasteridae that grows up to 33 cm.
Description
The Pacific ilisha is a herring relative (Pristigasteridae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a strongly laterally compressed, silvery body with a sharp, saw-like belly keel and an upturned mouth. It occurs in coastal waters and enters estuaries, presumably to spawn. It lives in schools and feeds on planktonic crustaceans and small fishes. It is a local food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hatchet herring?
The Hatchet herring has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sharp serrated ventral keel and an upturned mouth; schooling coastal herring that enters estuaries.
Where does the Hatchet herring live?
The Hatchet herring lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Pacific; coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the Hatchet herring get?
The Hatchet herring grows to a maximum of about 33 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Hatchet herring dangerous to humans?
No, the Hatchet herring is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Hatchet herring edible?
Yes, the Hatchet 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 Ilisha
More from the family Pristigasteridae
Want the complete picture on the Hatchet herring?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hatchet herring is one of 12,519 species in the app.