Monday, November 2, 2026

Longjaw Thryssa Fish in Marathi – Kaati, Salali Name and Identification

 

Longjaw Thryssa Fish in Marathi – Kaati / Salali

Longjaw Thryssa Fish in Marathi – Kaati / Salali


What Is Longjaw Thryssa?

Longjaw Thryssa is a small coastal fish belonging to the Engraulidae family, commonly known as the anchovy family. Its scientific name is Thryssa setirostris. It is also called Long-jaw Thryssa and is found in the Indo-Pacific region.

In the Trash Fish of Malvan identification guide, this fish is listed by the Marathi names Kaati / Salali. It is found in inshore waters and estuaries, where it usually forms schools.

Longjaw Thryssa Names in Indian Languages

Regional fish names may differ between coastal markets and fishing communities. The following names are recorded in the sources consulted.

LanguageName
EnglishLongjaw Thryssa
MarathiKaati / Salali (काटी / सलाली)
Marathi (FishBase record)Dandetar
TamilThaadi-poruva (தாடி பொருவா)
TeluguEngallu
MalayalamCheru-manangu
OdiaSamudra Patua

The names above come from regional and fisheries references. A local name may sometimes be used for more than one related anchovy species, so scientific identification remains important.

Scientific Classification

  • Common Name: Longjaw Thryssa

  • Scientific Name: Thryssa setirostris

  • Family: Engraulidae

  • Order: Clupeiformes

  • Marathi Names in the Malvan Guide: Kaati / Salali

How to Identify Longjaw Thryssa

The long upper jaw is the most important feature used to distinguish this fish from other thryssa and anchovy species.

Look for these characteristics:

  1. Very long upper jaw: The maxilla reaches at least to the tip of the pectoral fin and usually extends towards the base of the pelvic fin.

  2. Golden head: The head has a noticeable golden tint.

  3. Yellow fins: The anal and caudal fins are deep yellow.

  4. Dark gill spot: A dark spot is visible behind the gills.

  5. Slender body: Like other anchovies, it has an elongated, laterally compressed body.

These features are useful when distinguishing Longjaw Thryssa from other small coastal anchovies.

Habitat and Distribution

Longjaw Thryssa occurs in the Indo-Pacific region. It is found in inshore marine waters and estuaries, where seawater mixes with freshwater.

The species usually forms schools. Its coastal distribution makes it part of the marine fish catch in several parts of the Indian Ocean region.

What Does Longjaw Thryssa Eat?

According to the Malvan guide, this fish feeds on:

  • Crustacean larvae

  • Amphipods

  • Acetes (small shrimp-like crustaceans)

These small aquatic organisms are important food sources for many coastal fish species.

Market Uses of Longjaw Thryssa

The Malvan identification guide mentions two uses:

  • It is sometimes used as bait in tuna fisheries.

  • It is also sold as trash fish.

The guide does not provide a detailed account of its human food preparations, so specific culinary or nutritional claims should not be assumed from this source.

Is Longjaw Thryssa the Same as Malabar Anchovy?

No. They are separate species within the same family.

  • Longjaw Thryssa: Thryssa setirostris

  • Malabar Anchovy: Thryssa malabarica

The long upper jaw is a particularly useful identification feature of Thryssa setirostris.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Longjaw Thryssa called in Marathi?

The Malvan guide records the names Kaati and Salali.

2. What is the scientific name of Longjaw Thryssa?

Its scientific name is Thryssa setirostris.

3. What is the main identification feature of this fish?

Its unusually long upper jaw, which reaches at least to the tip of the pectoral fin, is its most distinctive feature.

4. Where is Longjaw Thryssa found?

It occurs in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in inshore waters and estuaries.

5. Is Longjaw Thryssa used as fishing bait?

Yes. The Malvan guide notes that it is sometimes used as bait in tuna fisheries.

Conclusion

Longjaw Thryssa is a small anchovy-family fish recognised by its exceptionally long upper jaw, golden-tinted head and deep-yellow fins. It is known as Kaati or Salali in the Malvan region of Maharashtra. Its scientific name, Thryssa setirostris, helps distinguish it from other anchovies and thryssa species that may have similar local market names.

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