Indian Ilisha Fish in Marathi (Bhing / Kanta) – Scientific Name and Uses

Indian Ilisha (Ilisha melastoma) fish with a silvery body and projecting lower jaw

What Is Indian Ilisha Fish?

Indian Ilisha is a marine and brackish-water fish belonging to the herring group. Its scientific name is Ilisha melastoma. It is also commonly called Indian Herring or Indian Ilisha.

The Malvan fish identification guide records its Marathi names as Bhing and Kanta (भिंग / कांटा).

This fish has a moderately deep, compressed body, a large head and a strongly projecting lower jaw. It lives in coastal waters and is also found in estuaries.

Indian Ilisha Fish Names in Indian Languages

Language	Recorded name
English	Indian Ilisha / Indian Herring
Marathi	Bhing / Kanta
Telugu	Jangarlo (జాంగర్లో), Ditchoe (డిట్చోఏ)
Malayalam	Kannan Mathi (കണ്ണന് മത്തി), Mathi (മത്തി)

The Marathi names are from the Malvan guide. FishBase records the Telugu and Malayalam names shown above. Names can vary between coastal regions and fishing communities.

Scientific Classification of Indian Ilisha

Classification	Details
Common name	Indian Ilisha
Scientific name	Ilisha melastoma
Family in Malvan guide	Clupeidae
Family in FishBase	Pristigasteridae
Order	Clupeiformes
Genus	Ilisha
Marathi names	Bhing / Kanta

Taxonomy note: Your Malvan guide places this fish in the Clupeidae family. FishBase classifies it under Pristigasteridae. Both sources identify the species as Ilisha melastoma.

How to Identify Indian Ilisha Fish

Indian Ilisha has a moderately deep and compressed body. Its head is relatively large, and its lower jaw projects noticeably forward.

Important identification features include:

• A moderately deep, compressed body.

• A belly with a sharp keel formed by small scales called scutes.

• A large head and prominent eye.

• A strongly projecting lower jaw.

• A short dorsal fin.

• A long anal fin.

• A blue-green or grey back.

• Silvery sides.

One unusual anatomical feature is its swim bladder, which has a pair of tube-like extensions running through the muscles above the front part of the anal fin.

Habitat and Distribution

Indian Ilisha is a pelagic fish found in coastal waters. It can also enter estuaries, where freshwater mixes with seawater.

FishBase records the species across the Indo-Pacific, including the Indian Ocean from the Malabar coast to Calcutta. It is recorded in marine and brackish-water environments.

What Does Indian Ilisha Eat?

Indian Ilisha feeds on plankton, particularly small crustaceans and other tiny aquatic organisms.

These food sources are naturally available in coastal and estuarine waters.

Is Indian Ilisha Used for Food?

Yes. The Malvan fish guide records Indian Ilisha as a fish marketed fresh.

Juvenile fish and damaged specimens may be sold as trash fish. Its commercial value depends on size, freshness and local demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Indian Ilisha called in Marathi?

The Malvan fish guide records its Marathi names as Bhing and Kanta.

2. What is the scientific name of Indian Ilisha?

Its scientific name is Ilisha melastoma.

3. How can Indian Ilisha be identified?

It has a moderately deep compressed body, a prominent lower jaw, a large eye, a sharp belly keel and a long anal fin.

4. Where is Indian Ilisha found?

It occurs in coastal marine waters and estuaries across parts of the Indo-Pacific region.

5. Is Indian Ilisha edible?

Yes. It is marketed fresh. Juvenile and damaged specimens may be sold as low-value fish.

Conclusion

Indian Ilisha (Ilisha melastoma), known as Bhing or Kanta in the Malvan region of Maharashtra, is a coastal fish with a compressed body, prominent lower jaw and silvery sides. It occurs in marine and brackish-water environments and feeds mainly on plankton. It is marketed fresh in coastal fish markets. Its scientific name helps distinguish it from other fish that may have similar local names.