Bloch’s Gizzard Shad Fish in Marathi (Batlaat / Barik Pala) – Scientific Name and Uses

 Bloch’s Gizzard Shad (Nematalosa nasus) fish, known as Batlaat or Barik Pala

What Is Bloch’s Gizzard Shad?

Bloch’s Gizzard Shad is a fish belonging to the Clupeidae family. Its scientific name is Nematalosa nasus. In the Malvan region of Maharashtra, it is locally known as Batlaat or Barik Pala.

It is found in marine, freshwater and brackish-water environments across the Indo-West Pacific region. Unlike some predatory fish, this species is a filter feeder that consumes plankton.

It is also used as food and is marketed fresh or dried.

Bloch’s Gizzard Shad Names in Indian Languages

Language	Recorded name
English	Bloch’s Gizzard Shad
Marathi	Batlaat / Barik Pala
Odia	Balangi / Balango
Telugu	Balangi
Tamil	Koi Meen
Malayalam	Koi Meen / Noorah

The Marathi names are recorded in the Malvan fish identification guide. FishBase lists Balangi and Balango in Odia, Balangi in Telugu, Koi Meen in Tamil and Malayalam, and Noorah in Malayalam. Regional fish names may differ between local fishing communities.

Scientific Classification

Classification	Details
Common name	Bloch’s Gizzard Shad
Scientific name	Nematalosa nasus
Family	Clupeidae
Order	Clupeiformes
Genus	Nematalosa
Marathi names	Batlaat / Barik Pala

Scientific name note: Your Malvan guide prints the name as Nematolosa nasus. Current taxonomic databases use Nematalosa nasus. The latter spelling is used in this article.

How to Identify Bloch’s Gizzard Shad

Bloch’s Gizzard Shad has a bluish upper body and a silvery underside. It can be distinguished from related species by particular markings and fin structure.

Its main identification features include:

• Dark spots behind the gill opening.

• A dorsal fin with a filamentous last ray.

• A dark bluish back.

• A silvery lower body.

The dark spots and extended last dorsal-fin ray are useful features when identifying this species.

Habitat and Distribution

Bloch’s Gizzard Shad is found in marine, freshwater and brackish-water habitats throughout the Indo-West Pacific.

Brackish water is commonly found in estuaries and lagoons, where freshwater mixes with seawater. Its ability to inhabit different salinity conditions allows it to occur in a variety of aquatic environments.

What Does Bloch’s Gizzard Shad Eat?

Bloch’s Gizzard Shad is a filter feeder. It feeds mainly on plankton, which consists of tiny organisms drifting in water.

Plankton forms an important part of the food supply for many small and medium-sized aquatic fish.

Is Bloch’s Gizzard Shad Used for Food?

Yes. Bloch’s Gizzard Shad is consumed fresh and dried.

The Malvan fish guide also mentions that it can be processed into fish balls. Juvenile and damaged specimens may be sold as trash fish.

Its market value depends on freshness, size, processing and local demand.

Difference Between Chacunda Gizzard Shad and Bloch’s Gizzard Shad

Both species belong to the Clupeidae family, but they are different fish.

Feature	Chacunda Gizzard Shad	Bloch’s Gizzard Shad
Scientific name	Anodontostoma chacunda	Nematalosa nasus
Marathi name in Malvan guide	Batlaat	Batlaat / Barik Pala
Identification feature	Large spot behind gill opening; inferior mouth	Dark spots behind gill opening; filamentous last dorsal-fin ray
Feeding	Molluscs and crustaceans	Plankton
Market forms	Fresh, frozen and dried	Fresh and dried

The shared name Batlaat can cause confusion. Checking the scientific name is a more reliable way to distinguish the two species.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Bloch’s Gizzard Shad called in Marathi?

It is recorded as Batlaat and Barik Pala in the Malvan fish identification guide.

2. What is the scientific name of Bloch’s Gizzard Shad?

Its scientific name is Nematalosa nasus.

3. What does Bloch’s Gizzard Shad eat?

It is a filter feeder and feeds mainly on plankton.

4. Where is Bloch’s Gizzard Shad found?

It occurs in marine, freshwater and brackish-water habitats throughout the Indo-West Pacific.

5. Can Bloch’s Gizzard Shad be eaten?

Yes. It is consumed fresh or dried and can also be made into fish balls.

Conclusion

Bloch’s Gizzard Shad (Nematalosa nasus) is an interesting member of the Clupeidae family. Known as Batlaat or Barik Pala in the Malvan region, it is recognised by dark spots behind the gill opening and a filamentous last ray on its dorsal fin. It feeds on plankton and lives in marine, freshwater and brackish-water habitats. The fish is consumed fresh, dried and can also be processed into fish balls.