PRISTIGASTERIDAE Longfin Herrings By Seishi Kimura Ilisha melastoma Moderate to large fishes (maximum length 55 cm SL, usually 20-25 cm SL), with compressed, elongated or deep body. Mouth usually superior or terminal in some species; upper jaw with 2 supramaxillae; lower jaw articulation under eye; teeth on jaws small or minute, canines only in a western Atlantic species, Chirocentrodon bleekerianus. Eyelids with broad vertical opening in middle. Branchiostegals 6. Fins without spines; dorsal fin single, short (absent in Indo- West Pacific species, Raconda russeliana), situated near midpoint of body; anal fin long, 30-92 rays; pectoral fins moderate or large; pelvic fins with 6 or 7 rays, situated before dorsalfin origin, but absent in some genera; caudal fin forked. Body covered with cycloid scales; a complete series of scutes along abdomen; lateral line absent. Color: bluish green dorsally, blight silver laterally and ventrally. Similar families occurring in the area. Pristigasteridae different from other similar families in having lower jaw articulation under eye, pelvic fins inserting before dorsal-fin origin, long anal fin with more than 30 rays, a complete series of scutes along abdomen, and no lateral line. Elopidae: lateral line present; no abdominal scutes; gular plate present; numerous branchiostegal rays (more than 20). Megalopidae: lateral line present, no abdominal scutes; gular plate present; numerous branchiostegal rays (more than 20). Albulidae: lateral line present; no abdominal scutes; gular plate present. Chirocentridae: body highly compressed and elongate; no abdominal scutes; jaws with developed fanglike canine teeth. Clupeidae: pelvic fins inserting just below dorsal-fin origin; anal fin short with less than 28 rays. Engraulidae: snout pig-like and projecting; jaw articulation well behind eye. Chanidae: lateral line present; no abdominal scutes; branchiostegal rays few (4 or 5). Remarks. Schooling fishes found in coastal areas of tropical and subtropical seas; some species entering estuaries, and a few species restricted to freshwater. Food fishes used as fresh, dried, or salted ones.