Thryssa malabarica (Bloch, 1795)
Malabar thryssa
Thryssa malabarica
photo by Osmany, H.B.

Family:  Engraulidae (Anchovies), subfamily: Coiliinae
Max. size:  17.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 50 m, amphidromous
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: India, perhaps reaching to Pakistan, but not recorded from the Gulf and the Red Sea, its place in the Gulf being taken by Thryssa whiteheadi.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 34-38. Belly with 23 to 26 keeled scutes (isthmus to anus). Tip of snout about level of upper rim of eye. Maxilla moderate; first supra-maxilla small, oval; jaw teeth small. A dark blotch behind upper part of gill opening; small spots on cheek, gill cover, maxilla and paired fins; gill arches pinky orange, inside of gill cover yellow and gold; inner part of anal fin deep yellow, margin whitish.
Biology:  A schooling fish found mostly inshore and perhaps entering estuaries. Although the name malabarica features in the literature, there can be no certainty that it refers to present species.
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 12 February 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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