Dussumier’s Thryssa Fish in Marathi – Khavale, Salali Name and Uses
Dussumier’s Thryssa Fish in Marathi – Khavale / Salali
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| Dussumier’s Thryssa Fish in Marathi – Khavale, Salali |
What Is Dussumier’s Thryssa?
Dussumier’s Thryssa is a small coastal fish belonging to the Engraulidae family, commonly known as the anchovy family. Its scientific name is Thryssa dussumieri. It is found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the coastal waters of India.
The Trash Fish of Malvan identification guide records its Marathi name as Khavale / Salali. The fish is found mostly in inshore coastal waters and sometimes enters estuarine areas.
Dussumier’s Thryssa Names in Indian Languages
Regional names can vary from one fishing community to another. The following names are supported by the references consulted.
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Dussumier’s Thryssa |
| Marathi (Malvan) | Khavale / Salali (खवले / सलाली) |
| Tamil | Semporuva |
| Bengali | Phansha |
The Bengali name Phansha is recorded as a market name from the Calcutta region. Avoid assuming that these names are used uniformly across all parts of India.
Scientific Classification
Common Name: Dussumier’s Thryssa
Scientific Name: Thryssa dussumieri
Family: Engraulidae
Order: Clupeiformes
Marathi Name in the Malvan Guide: Khavale / Salali
How to Identify Dussumier’s Thryssa
Dussumier’s Thryssa has an elongated, compressed body with a series of sharp scutes along its belly.
Important identification features include:
Body shape: The body is fusiform and laterally compressed.
Belly scutes: Sharp, keeled scutes extend from the isthmus to the anus.
Upper jaw: The maxilla is long and reaches at least halfway along the pectoral fin.
Snout position: The tip of the snout is level with the centre of the eye.
Body colour: The back is blue or green, while the flanks are silvery.
Gill marking: A black, vein-like area appears behind the gill opening.
Fin colour: The dorsal and caudal fins are faint yellow.
These characteristics help distinguish it from other anchovies and thryssa species.
Habitat and Distribution
Dussumier’s Thryssa is a coastal pelagic fish. It is generally found in inshore waters and may also occur in estuarine environments.
FishBase records its distribution across parts of the Indo-Pacific, including Pakistan, India, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia and areas extending towards Taiwan. It is associated with marine and brackish-water environments.
What Does Dussumier’s Thryssa Eat?
Its diet changes as it grows.
Juveniles: Young fish feed on diatoms, which are microscopic aquatic organisms.
Adults: Larger fish feed on:
Copepods
Shrimp larvae
Cypris, the larval stage of barnacles
These food sources are part of the coastal plankton community.
Market and Food Uses
According to the Malvan guide, Dussumier’s Thryssa is marketed both fresh and dried. Juvenile and damaged fish are sold as trash fish.
The species is also recognised in fisheries references as a commercial fish. Its market value can vary according to location, fish size and condition.
Is Dussumier’s Thryssa the Same as Moustached Thryssa?
No. These are separate species belonging to the same Engraulidae family.
Dussumier’s Thryssa: Thryssa dussumieri
Moustached Thryssa: Thryssa mystax
Their scientific names and physical features should be used to distinguish them, particularly when local market names overlap.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Dussumier’s Thryssa called in Marathi?
The Malvan identification guide records its Marathi name as Khavale or Salali.
2. What is the scientific name of Dussumier’s Thryssa?
Its scientific name is Thryssa dussumieri.
3. Where is Dussumier’s Thryssa found?
It occurs in Indo-Pacific coastal waters, particularly in inshore marine areas and sometimes in estuaries.
4. What does Dussumier’s Thryssa eat?
Young fish feed on diatoms, while adults consume copepods, shrimp larvae and cypris.
5. Is Dussumier’s Thryssa sold fresh or dried?
Yes. The Malvan guide records both fresh and dried market uses. Juvenile and damaged specimens may be sold as trash fish.
Conclusion
Dussumier’s Thryssa (Thryssa dussumieri) is a small coastal anchovy found in the Indo-Pacific region. In the Malvan region of Maharashtra, it is known as Khavale or Salali. Its compressed body, keeled belly, long upper jaw and silvery flanks are useful identification features. It is marketed fresh and dried, making it a recognised fish in regional coastal fisheries.
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