CLUPEIDAE


Escualosa thoracata, 8.1 cm SL
(photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin)



Escualosa thoracata, 7.0 cm SL
(photo by Koichi Shibukawa)


Escualosa thoracata
(Valenciennes, 1847)
White Sardine

D 16; A 18-19; P1 12-13; P2 7; LGR 27-40.

Body somewhat deep (27-37% SL), compressed; belly strongly keeled with 17-19 (mostly 18) prepelvic and 10-12 (mostly 11) postpelvic scutes (28-30, mostly 29, in total). Upper jaw rounded, without distinct median notch or cleft; 2 supramaxilla present. Opercle smooth, without bony radiating striae. Shoulder girdle (cleithrum) margin without fleshy outgrowths. Color: body semi-translucent with broad silvery midlateral stripe; inner edges of caudal fin broadly darkish. Size: maximum ca. 10 cm SL. Distribution: widely distributed in Indo-West Pacific from the Persian Gulf to northeastern Australia, north to Vietnam and Philippines. Remarks: found in coastal, inshore waters.(Seishi Kimura)