Fin's Fish Guide
The Indian ilisha (Ilisha melastoma) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pristigasteridae that grows up to 22 cm.
Asia: Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, China and others
Description
The Indian ilisha is a herring relative (Pristigasteridae) from coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a strongly laterally compressed, bright-silvery body with a sharply keeled, serrated belly and an upturned mouth. As an open-water schooling fish it swims in dense groups in turbid coastal waters and river mouths and filters small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Indian ilisha?
The Indian ilisha has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Indian ilisha live?
The Indian ilisha lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, China and others
How big does the Indian ilisha get?
The Indian ilisha grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Indian ilisha dangerous to humans?
No, the Indian ilisha 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 Indian ilisha edible?
Yes, the Indian ilisha 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 Indian ilisha?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Indian ilisha is one of 12,519 species in the app.