Ethmalosa fimbriata
Ethmalosa fimbriata
Ethmalosa fimbriata is a small herring -like of the subfamily Alosinae and the only species of monotypic genus Ethmalosa. Widespread is this fish along the west coast of Africa. In the local commercial fishing industry it is very important.
Description
Ethmalosa fimbriata has a stocky, high-backed, laterally compressed and spindle-shaped body. The belly is scaly. However, as with all herring -like fins only soft rays. The dorsal fin is 16 to 19, in the anal fin 19 to 23 The dorsal fin tip is blackish, the caudal fin is split glossy and deep. Behind the gill cover is an indistinct spot indicates. The flanks are yellowish shiny.
Ethmalosa fimbriata has a gizzard, which is not but as muscular as that of Brevoortia and Ethmidium.
Distribution, habitat and biology
In Ethmalosa fimbriata is a schooling fish, which occurs mainly in coastal areas along the West African coast. Moreover, this type is an anadromous migratory fish up to 300 miles up the rivers swimming up to spawn. However, they spawn in the sea and in brackish water. It feeds filtration of phytoplankton, especially diatoms.
Find out more
- While eating the most fish of the subfamily Alosinae of smaller invertebrates and fish to Ethmalosa fimbriata fed than filter feeders on phytoplankton.
- The predatory fish from the family Scombridae Scomberomorus TRITOR feeds preferred by this fish.
- Ethmalosa fimbriata is experimentally maintained in aquaculture.