HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesHerringsPristigasteridsBanded ilisha Banded ilisha (Ilisha striatula) Scientific name: Ilisha striatula Wongratana, 1983 The Banded ilisha (Ilisha striatula) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pristigasteridae. BiologyDorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 40 - 47. Belly with usually 18 to 21 - 7 to 9, total 26 to 29 scutes. Eye large, lower jaw projecting. Dorsal fin origin a little before midpoint of body; anal fin origin below final dorsal fin ray bases. Vertical striae on scale with a distinct gap across center of scale. Flanks with faint dark band. Swim bladder with two tubes passing back in the muscles on either side of haemal spines.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameIlisha striatulaFamilyPristigasteridae (Pristigasterids)OrderClupeiformes (Herrings)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length18.0Depth range0–50 m (0–164 ft)EnvironmentMarine; brackish; pelagic-neritic; depth range 0 - 50 mClimateTropicalDistributionIndian Ocean: Karachi to Madras and perhaps north to Calcutta. Specimens from the northwestern coasts of Australia may be this species. Almost certainly mistaken in the past for the very similar Ilisha melastoma in Indian waters.Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries: subsistence fisheriesResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026