Tenualosa ilisha is one of the most common fish in the South Asia region. Its common name is Hilsha or Hilsha Shad. In this article, we will learn 1. Identifying characters of Tenualosa ilisha, 2. Taxonomic position of Tenualosa ilisha, 3. Economic importance of Tenualosa ilisha, 4. Ecological importance of Tenualosa ilisha. Naturally, it is found in the coastal water of the sea but it comes to the river to spawn its eggs. Tenualosa ilisha or Hilsha fish is the national fish of Bangladesh and Bangladesh is the largest producer of this fish in the world.
Systematic Position of Tenualosa ilisha
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Clupeiformes |
| Family: | Dorosomatidae |
| Genus: | Tenualosa |
| Species: | Tenualosa ilisha |
Habit and Habitat of Tenualosa ilisha
- The common name of this fish is Hilsa.
- It is also called ilish, hilsa herring, or hilsa shad.
- It is a fish of both river and marine.
- They prefer to live in saline water with high levels of dissolved oxygen.
- During the breeding time, they come to the rivers and breed.
- It is found in the rivers and seas of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Burma, and some other areas.
- It is the national fish of Bangladesh and Bangladesh is the main producer of this fish.
- The species is commonly found in the estuaries and river mouths of large rivers such as the Padma, the Meghna, the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, etc.
- The fish schools in the coastal water of the sea.
- During the breeding season, they come to the rivers and spawn their eggs.
- The fish is known for its strong migratory behavior.
- Young Hilsa returns to the sea.
- They feed on plankton.
Labeled Diagram of Tenualosa ilisha or Hilsha
Identifying Characteristics of Tenualosa ilisha
1. It can grow up to 60 cm in length and weighs up to 3 kg.
2. Body laterally compressed.
3. It has 18-21 dorsal soft rays and anal soft rays but no dorsal spines.
4. Belly has 30-33 scutes.
5. Lateral line present.
6. Silver-colored body.
7. A dark blotch behind the gill opening, followed by a series of small spots along the flanks.
8. Fins are hyaline.
9. There is a distinct median notch in the upper jaw.
10. Gill rakers are fine and numerous, about 100 to 250 on the lower part of the arch.
Ecological Importance of Tenualosa ilisha
1. The fish is marine, freshwater, brackish, pelagic-neritic, and anadromous.
2. The fish schools in the coastal water of the sea.
3. They mainly feed on plankton.
4. They are used as very tasty food for humans.
Economic Importance of Tenualosa ilisha
1. This is a very popular food amongst the people of South Asia, especially in Bangladesh and India.
2. This fish is the national fish of Bangladesh and it has a great impact on the GDP of Bangladesh. Bangladesh exports this fish in large numbers.
3. A very popular food item in the restaurants of South Asia and the Middle East.
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