Commerson’s Anchovy Fish in Marathi – Salshin Name, Identification and Uses

 

Commerson’s Anchovy Fish in Marathi – Salshin (स्टोलेफोरस कमर्सोनी)

Commerson’s Anchovy Fish in Marathi – Salshin (स्टोलेफोरस कमर्सोनी)

What Is Commerson’s Anchovy?

Commerson’s Anchovy is a small marine fish belonging to the Engraulidae family, commonly known as the anchovy family. Its scientific name is Stolephorus commersonnii. It is found in coastal waters and is recognised by its slender body and distinctive silver stripe along the sides.

In the Trash Fish of Malvan identification guide, this fish is listed under the Marathi name Salshin. The guide explains that it is marketed fresh or dried, while damaged anchovies may be sold as trash fish.

Commerson’s Anchovy Name in Indian Languages

Regional fish names can differ between coastal communities and local markets. The following names are reported in the sources consulted:

Language	Name
English	Commerson’s Anchovy
Marathi (Malvan)	Salshin
Tamil	Nethili / Netholi
Telugu	Kella / Purasa
Malayalam	Netholi / Nethali
Odia	Manohari Chauli Patua

The Odia name is reported specifically for the Chilika region. These regional names should not automatically be used for every fish sold as anchovy, because several different species belong to the anchovy family.

Scientific Classification

• Common Name: Commerson’s Anchovy

• Scientific Name: Stolephorus commersonnii

• Family: Engraulidae

• Order: Clupeiformes

• Marathi Name in the Malvan Guide: Salshin

The Malvan guide prints the scientific name with a spelling error, “Stolepherous commersonnii”. The accepted spelling is Stolephorus commersonnii, as listed by ITIS.

How to Identify Commerson’s Anchovy

Commerson’s Anchovy has a slender body with an oval cross-section. Unlike some anchovies with a sharply keeled belly, its belly is rounded.

Look for these identification features:

1. Slender body: The body is narrow and elongated.

2. Rounded belly: One to four small, needle-like scutes may be present between the pectoral and pelvic fin bases.

3. Pointed maxilla: The tip of the upper jaw is pointed.

4. Pelvic fins: The pelvic fin tips extend beyond the origin of the dorsal fin.

5. Silver stripe: A noticeable silver stripe runs along the sides.

6. Back markings: Two pigmented areas occur behind the head, with a double pigment line before the dorsal fin.

These features help distinguish this species from other small anchovies.

Habitat and Distribution

Commerson’s Anchovy is a pelagic fish associated with coastal waters. Pelagic fish generally live in the water column rather than remaining on the seabed.

The species is also reported from marine and brackish-water environments. It may occur in coastal areas where anchovies form schools and feed on small planktonic organisms.

Food and Market Uses

The Malvan guide records this fish as being marketed both fresh and dried. Damaged anchovies may enter the trash-fish category.

Small anchovies are used in different coastal food preparations, including fried dishes, curries and dried-fish preparations. However, local cooking methods and availability vary by region.

Is Commerson’s Anchovy the Same as Mandeli?

No. Do not assume that every anchovy is Mandeli.

Anchovy is a common name used for several species in the family Engraulidae. Commerson’s Anchovy is scientifically identified as Stolephorus commersonnii. Golden Anchovy is a different species, Coilia dussumieri.

For accurate fish identification, use the scientific name along with the local market name.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Marathi name of Commerson’s Anchovy?

The Malvan fish identification guide lists its Marathi name as Salshin.

2. What is the scientific name of Commerson’s Anchovy?

Its accepted scientific name is Stolephorus commersonnii.

3. Is Commerson’s Anchovy a marine fish?

Yes. It is a pelagic fish found in coastal marine waters and is also reported from brackish-water environments.

4. Is Commerson’s Anchovy sold fresh or dried?

The Malvan guide records that it is marketed fresh or dried. Damaged fish may be sold as trash fish.

5. Is Commerson’s Anchovy the same as Golden Anchovy?

No. Commerson’s Anchovy is Stolephorus commersonnii, while Golden Anchovy is Coilia dussumieri. They are separate species.

Conclusion

Commerson’s Anchovy is a small coastal fish recognised by its slender body, rounded belly and silver stripe. In the Malvan region, the Trash Fish of Malvan guide records its local name as Salshin. Its identification is important because the common word “anchovy” covers several different fish species. Checking the scientific name helps avoid confusion between Commerson’s Anchovy, Golden Anchovy and other regional anchovy varieties.