Rainbow Sardine Fish in Marathi (Bangi / Tarli) – Scientific Name and Uses

Rainbow Sardine (Dussumieria acuta) with an iridescent blue body and shiny golden line

What Is Rainbow Sardine?

Rainbow Sardine is a small marine fish scientifically known as Dussumieria acuta. The Malvan fish identification guide records its Marathi names as Bangi and Tarli (बांगी / तारली).

It is a pelagic fish, which means it spends much of its time swimming in open water rather than living on the seabed. It is commonly found in coastal waters and swims in groups called shoals.

Rainbow Sardine is important to commercial fisheries and aquaculture. It is sold fresh or dried in fish markets.

Rainbow Sardine Names in Indian Languages

Language	Recorded name
English	Rainbow Sardine
Marathi	Bangi / Tarli
Malayalam	Challay / Charlay
Tamil	Madha Kandai
Telugu	Marrawa / Morava
Kannada	Kolu Baige / Mannethi

The Marathi names Bangi and Tarli are recorded in the Malvan guide. FishBase records the additional regional names shown above. Local names may differ between fishing communities.

Scientific Classification

Classification	Details
Common name	Rainbow Sardine
Scientific name	Dussumieria acuta
Family in Malvan guide	Clupeidae
Family in FishBase	Dussumieriidae
Order	Clupeiformes
Genus	Dussumieria

Taxonomy note: The Malvan guide places this fish in Clupeidae, while FishBase classifies it in Dussumieriidae, the round herring family. The scientific name Dussumieria acuta identifies the species.

How to Identify Rainbow Sardine

Rainbow Sardine has a distinctive shiny appearance. Its body is iridescent blue, with a golden or brass-coloured line running along the side below the upper body.

Its main identification features include:

• An iridescent blue body.

• A shiny golden or brass-coloured line along the side.

• A rounded, smooth belly without scutes.

• A broadly dark rear margin on the tail.

• A slender body suited to swimming in open water.

The blue and golden colours may fade quickly after the fish dies, so freshly caught specimens can look more colourful than fish displayed in markets.

Habitat and Distribution

Rainbow Sardine is mainly a pelagic inshore species. It lives in coastal waters and usually swims in shoals.

FishBase records the species across the Indo-West Pacific, including the Indian Ocean and surrounding regions. It can occur in marine and brackish-water environments.

What Does Rainbow Sardine Eat?

Rainbow Sardine feeds mainly on:

• Phytoplankton

• Small crustaceans

Phytoplankton consists of microscopic plant-like organisms that float in water. Small crustaceans are another important part of its natural diet.

Is Rainbow Sardine Used for Food?

Yes. Rainbow Sardine is commercially important and is used in fisheries and aquaculture.

The Malvan guide records that it is sold fresh or dried. Juvenile fish and damaged specimens may be sold as trash fish.

Its commercial value depends on size, freshness, availability and local market demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Rainbow Sardine called in Marathi?

The Malvan fish guide records the names Bangi and Tarli.

2. What is the scientific name of Rainbow Sardine?

Its scientific name is Dussumieria acuta.

3. How can Rainbow Sardine be identified?

It has an iridescent blue body, a shiny golden or brass-coloured line, a smooth rounded belly and a broadly dark tail margin.

4. What does Rainbow Sardine eat?

It feeds mainly on phytoplankton and small crustaceans.

5. Is Rainbow Sardine eaten in India?

Yes. It is sold fresh and dried in fish markets.

Conclusion

Rainbow Sardine (Dussumieria acuta) is a small pelagic fish found in coastal waters. Known as Bangi or Tarli in the Malvan region, it is recognised by its iridescent blue body and shiny golden line. It feeds on phytoplankton and small crustaceans and is commercially used in fisheries and aquaculture. The fish is sold fresh or dried, making it an important part of coastal fish markets.