Hilsa kelee

(Cuvier, 1829)

Vernacular names
English : Kelee shad
French : Alose palli

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Clupeiformes
Family : Dorosomatidae (formerly Clupeidae)
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 35 cm. Fairly deep body with flattened back, small face with big eyes and large upturned mouth. Silvery coloration with well visible scales. Black blotch behind gill covert followed by a row of up to 10 fading spots.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area, Gulf of Oman and Gulf of Aden to South Africa, east to Solomon Islands, to Taiwan and extreme north Australia. Pelagic species, found in coastal areas and estuaries, to 50 m deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is widespread but often uncommon. It is vulnerable to overfishing and pollution of coastal waters. Monitoring of these threats is needed.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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