Arabian gizzard shad (Nematalosa arabica)

Scientific name: Nematalosa arabica Regan, 1917

Arabian gizzard shad (Nematalosa arabica)

The Arabian gizzard shad (Nematalosa arabica) is a marine fish of the family Clupeidae. Native range: Western Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden to Gulf of Oman; no records from Red Sea or the Persian Gulf.

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 17 - 26. Belly with 17 or 18 + 10 to 15 scutes. Anterior arm of pre-operculum with a fleshy triangular area above, not covered by third infra-orbital bone (see N. come). Edge of lower jaw somewhat flared outward. Hind edge of scales not toothed. A dark spot behind gill opening. No other clupeids in the area have a dorsal filament and inferior mouth.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Nematalosa arabica
Family
Clupeidae (Herrings, shads and sardines)
Order
Clupeiformes (Herrings)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
16.5
Environment
Marine; pelagic-neritic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Western Indian Ocean: Gulf of Aden to Gulf of Oman; no records from Red Sea or the Persian Gulf.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: subsistence fisheries
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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