Spratelloides lewisi Wongratana, 1983
Lewis' round herring
photo by FAO

Family:  Spratelloididae (Small round herrings)
Max. size:  6 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 0 - 50 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and off Irian Jaya.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-12. Distinguished from other species mainly by the silver band on the flanks which fades anteriorly (at about tips of pectoral fins). Maxilla toothed, triangular pre-maxillae, 2 supra-maxillae, second supra-maxilla asymmetrical (lower part larger than upper); vertical striae on scales not meeting at center; W-shaped pelvic scute. Description: Characterized by bluish or greenish color on back; predorsal scales about 16-20; depth of body about 6.6 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Usually an inshore schooling species. More data needed. Used as bait in the tuna fishery. Found in coastal waters, sometimes forming large active schools at surface near reefs (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 02 March 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.