Sardinella fimbriata, also known as the Fringed Sardinella, is a species of small, oily fish in the family Clupeidae. They are found in the warm, tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region and are an important food source for many marine animals.

MORPHOLOGY

• Body shape: Elongated, slender, and compressed laterally

•  Size: Typically 10-15 cm (4-6 in) in length, maximum length 20 cm (8 in)

•  Weight: Up to 25 grams (0.9 oz)

•  Dorsal fin: Single, with 13-15 rays

•  Anal fin: Single, with 12-14 rays

• Pectoral fins: Long and pointed

• -Pelvic fins: Small and pointed

•  Scales: Small, cycloid, and easily removable

•  Color: Back is blue-green, belly is silver-white, with 7-10 distinctive golden stripes running along the sides

HABITAT

•  Found in coastal waters, including bays, estuaries, and mangrove swamps

•  Prefer shallow, tropical waters with temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F)

•  Often found in large schools, migrating vertically to feed on plankton and small crustaceans

•  Distribution: Indo-Pacific region, including India, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia

REPRODUCTION

•  Spawning: Occurs in shallow, coastal waters, typically during the full moon

•  Spawning season: Varies by location, but usually between March and October

•  Eggs: Transparent, spherical, and pelagic, drifting in the water column

•  Fecundity: Females can produce up to 10,000 eggs per spawning event

• Larvae: Feed on plankton and small crustaceans, drifting in the water column for several weeks before settling on the bottom

•  Growth rate: Rapid, reaching maturity in 6-12 months

• Sardinella fimbriata are an important food source for many marine animals, including larger fish, birds, and mammals

•  They are also an important commercial species, with many fisheries targeting them for their oil and meal

• The species is often caught using small-mesh nets and purse seines, which can lead to overfishing and habitat damage