Loose Scaled Sardine

Tooth plate on tongue and tooth plate behind it (basihyal and basibranchial tooth plates) very narrow, their width about 10 times in combined length, the basihyal tooth plate not bulging in front. Scales thin, loosely attached, easily shed. Tips of anterior dorsal fin rays dark. Reddish or orange spot behind upper end of gill (Ref. 26938). Body slender, with evenly curved upper and lower profiles (Ref. 7251).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 21; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 12 - 23

Occur in coastal waters, usually along the shoreline (Ref. 9710) and over clear coral reefs (Ref. 5217). May form large schools in beaches, mainly over Thalassia beds (Ref. 5217). Often in polluted areas (Ref. 9710).

fisheries: commercial; bait: usually