Malabar Anchovy Fish in Marathi – Dolsa, Kati Name and Identification

 

Malabar Anchovy Fish in Marathi – Dolsa / Kati

 Malabar Anchovy Fish in Marathi – Dolsa

What Is Malabar Anchovy?

Malabar Anchovy, scientifically known as Thryssa malabarica, is a small coastal fish belonging to the Engraulidae family. It is also known as Malabar Thryssa and Gautama Thryssa in common fish references.

According to the Trash Fish of Malvan identification guide, this fish is locally called Dolsa or Kati in Marathi. It is found in inshore waters of the Indian Ocean and may enter estuaries.

Malabar Anchovy Names in Indian Languages

Language	Local Name
English	Malabar Anchovy / Malabar Thryssa
Marathi	Dolsa / Kati (डोलसा / काटी)
Gujarati	Palli (પલ્લી)
Malayalam	Chella-manangoo / Manangoo
Odia	Babana Patua

Regional names can vary between fishing communities. The Odia name Babana Patua is recorded for the Chilika region. These names should be associated with the scientific species carefully, rather than assumed to apply to every anchovy.

Scientific Classification

• Common Name: Malabar Anchovy / Gautama Thryssa

• Scientific Name: Thryssa malabarica

• Family: Engraulidae

• Order: Clupeiformes

• Marathi Names in the Malvan Guide: Dolsa / Kati

How to Identify Malabar Anchovy

Malabar Anchovy has several distinguishing physical features that help identify it among other anchovy species.

1. Belly scutes: It has approximately 23–26 keeled scutes along the belly.

2. Yellow anal fin: The inner part of the anal fin is deep yellow, with a whitish margin.

3. Dark gill spot: A black spot is present on the upper part of the gill opening.

4. Spots on the body: Small spots can be seen on the cheeks and paired fins.

5. Body shape: Its body is elongated and laterally compressed, like many other thryssa species.

The combination of the belly scutes, gill spot and fin markings is useful for identification.

Habitat and Distribution

Malabar Anchovy occurs in the Indian Ocean, particularly in inshore coastal waters. It can also enter estuaries, where freshwater mixes with seawater.

FishBase describes the species as marine and brackish-water associated, with a reported depth range of 0–50 metres. It is generally found in coastal environments rather than deep offshore waters.

What Does Malabar Anchovy Eat?

The Malvan guide reports that this fish feeds on:

• Small fishes

• Crustacean larvae

• Molluscs

These food sources are part of the coastal marine food web and support the feeding activity of small predatory fish.

Market and Food Uses

The Malvan guide notes that damaged and juvenile Malabar Thryssa are sold as trash fish. Other regional fisheries references identify Thryssa malabarica as a commercial food fish.

Small anchovies and thryssa species are commonly used in coastal cooking, including fried preparations, curries and dried-fish dishes. Specific preparation methods depend on local food traditions.

Is Malabar Anchovy the Same as Commerson’s Anchovy?

No. They are different species.

• Malabar Anchovy: Thryssa malabarica

• Commerson’s Anchovy: Stolephorus commersonnii

Both belong to the Engraulidae family, but their scientific names and physical identification features are different.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Malabar Anchovy called in Marathi?

The Malvan identification guide records the Marathi names Dolsa and Kati.

2. What is the scientific name of Malabar Anchovy?

Its scientific name is Thryssa malabarica.

3. What is Malabar Anchovy called in Malayalam?

The regional names Chella-manangoo and Manangoo are recorded in a Kerala fish reference.

4. Where is Malabar Anchovy found?

It is found in Indian Ocean coastal waters and may enter estuaries. It is associated with marine and brackish-water environments.

5. Is Malabar Anchovy a food fish?

Yes. It is identified as a commercial food fish in fisheries references, although damaged and juvenile specimens may be sold as trash fish in some markets.

Conclusion

Malabar Anchovy, or Thryssa malabarica, is a small coastal fish from the anchovy family. In the Malvan region of Maharashtra, it is known as Dolsa or Kati. Its 23–26 belly scutes, dark spot near the gill opening and yellow anal fin help distinguish it from related anchovy species. Knowing the scientific name is especially useful when comparing regional fish-market names.