Bigeye ilisha
📖 Overview
An inshore species, but apparently occurs also in rivers (Ganges at Allahabad and rivers of eastern Uttar Pradesh, but not in Velar estuary). Ascends into the upper end of the tidal zone . Feeds on fishes, crustaceans, amphipods, occasionally polychaetes, tunicates and small amounts of algae and diatoms.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 38 - 53. Body rather deep, belly with 19 to 23 + 8 to 12, total 28 to 35 (usually 30 to 34) scutes. Eye large, lower jaw strongly projecting. Dorsal fin origin near midpoint of body; anal fin origin below hind part of dorsal fin base. Swim bladder with a single long tube passing back down right side of body above anal fin base. No toothed hypo-maxilla.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Bigeye ilisha is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Bigeye ilisha is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Bigeye ilisha is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; pelagic-neritic; anadromous ; depth range 0 - 50 m . Tropical; 24°N - 10°S, 70°E - 118°E Indian Ocean (Bombay to Bay of Bengal and Andaman coast of Thailand), Java Sea (off Java, Singapore).
🌿 Ecology
fishes, crustaceans, amphipods, occasionally polychaetes, tunicates and small amounts of algae and d
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Ilisha Megaloptera is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 362 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Bigeye ilisha has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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