Moustached Thryssa Fish in Marathi – Khavale, Salali Name and Identification
Moustached Thryssa Fish in Marathi – Khavale / Salali
 |
| Moustached Thryssa Fish in Marathi – Khavale / Salali |
What Is Moustached Thryssa?
Moustached Thryssa is a small coastal fish belonging to the Engraulidae family, commonly known as the anchovy family. Its scientific name is Thryssa mystax. It is also known as Mustached Thryssa and Gangetic Anchovy.
The Trash Fish of Malvan identification guide records its Marathi names as Khavale / Salali. This fish is commonly found in coastal waters and can enter mangroves and nearby brackish-water areas.
Moustached Thryssa Names in Indian Languages
Local fish names can vary across coastal regions. The following names are recorded in fisheries references.
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Moustached Thryssa / Mustached Thryssa |
| Marathi (Malvan) | Khavale / Salali (खवले / सलाली) |
| Marathi (FishBase) | Dandetar / Kati |
| Tamil | Poruva (புருவா) |
| Telugu | Engallu (ఎంగల్లు) |
| Kannada | Engallu (ಎಂಗಲ್ಲು) |
| Malayalam | Cheru-manangu (ചെറുമണങ്ങ്) |
These are regional vernacular names. They should not be assumed to be universal names used in every fish market.
Scientific Classification
Common Name: Moustached Thryssa
Scientific Name: Thryssa mystax
Family: Engraulidae
Order: Clupeiformes
Marathi Names in the Malvan Guide: Khavale / Salali
How to Identify Moustached Thryssa
Moustached Thryssa has a compressed, spindle-shaped body and a sharp keel along its belly. Its long upper jaw and characteristic colour patterns help distinguish it from related anchovies.
Important identification features include:
Body shape: The body is fusiform and compressed.
Belly scutes: Sharp keel-like scutes extend along the belly from the isthmus to the anus.
Long upper jaw: The maxilla reaches to, or almost to, the base of the pectoral fin.
Head position: The tip of the snout is level with the eye.
Body colour: The back is blue or green, while the sides are silvery.
Gill markings: A black, vein-like area appears behind the gill opening, with a golden area in front of it.
Fin colour: The dorsal fin is lemon yellow with a dusky tip. The caudal fin is also lemon yellow, with black edges.
Habitat and Distribution
Moustached Thryssa is found in coastal pelagic waters. It often enters mangroves and neighbouring brackish-water habitats, where seawater mixes with freshwater.
FishBase records the species in marine and brackish environments, with a reported depth range of 0–50 metres. It is a schooling fish and occurs in coastal waters around parts of the Indian Ocean and Indo-West Pacific.
What Does Moustached Thryssa Eat?
The Malvan guide describes its diet as small organisms found in coastal waters.
FishBase provides further detail, reporting that the species feeds on planktonic organisms. Juveniles living in mangroves also feed on shrimp and fish larvae.
Market Uses of Moustached Thryssa
According to the Malvan identification guide, this fish has little market value in the region and is therefore sold as trash fish.
Its market classification may vary according to size, condition and local demand. The guide does not provide detailed information about its culinary or nutritional uses.
Is Moustached Thryssa the Same as Longjaw Thryssa?
No. They are two different species belonging to the same family.
Moustached Thryssa: Thryssa mystax
Longjaw Thryssa: Thryssa setirostris
Their scientific names and physical identification features help distinguish them, even when local names overlap.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Moustached Thryssa called in Marathi?
The Malvan guide records the names Khavale and Salali. FishBase also lists Dandetar and Kati as Marathi vernacular names.
2. What is the scientific name of Moustached Thryssa?
Its scientific name is Thryssa mystax.
3. Why is it called Moustached Thryssa?
The name refers to its elongated upper jaw, which resembles a moustache-like projection.
4. Where does Moustached Thryssa live?
It occurs in coastal waters and may enter mangroves and nearby brackish-water habitats.
5. What does Moustached Thryssa eat?
It feeds on planktonic organisms in coastal waters. Juveniles in mangroves may also consume shrimp and fish larvae.
Conclusion
Moustached Thryssa (Thryssa mystax) is a small anchovy-family fish found in coastal waters and mangrove environments. In the Malvan region, it is known as Khavale or Salali. Its compressed body, long upper jaw, black marking behind the gill opening and yellow fins help identify it. The scientific name is particularly useful because local names such as Salali and Kati can overlap with those used for other related fish.
No comments:
Post a Comment