Fish · GBIF taxon 2413382
Hilsa Shad
Tenualosa ilishaAlso known as Ilish, Ilishi, Pulasa, Hilsa Herring
Hilsa shad navigate vast distances between the Indian Ocean and major South Asian river systems to spawn each year. These streamlined silver fish filter feed on plankton as they move through coastal estuaries into freshwater habitats like the Ganges and Meghna rivers. Dams, habitat alteration, and heavy commercial fishing pressure have altered their traditional migration pathways across the Bengal delta.
AnadromousMigratoryFilter Feeder
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Phytoplankton
- Zooplankton
- Small Crustaceans
Predators
- Ganges River Dolphin
- Large Catfish
- Sharks
ThreatsOverfishing, river damming, siltation, and pollution
HabitatsCoastal waters, estuaries, and major river systems
Life span5–7 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyClupeidae
- SpeciesTenualosa ilisha
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a deeply compressed silver body with a distinct dark spot behind the gills.
- Support conservation
- Avoid disturbing spawning grounds and adhere to regional seasonal fishing restrictions.
Responsible observation
- Observation Timing: Look for migratory runs during the monsoon season from July to October.
- Market Etiquette: Respect local conservation regulations regarding seasonal bans on juvenile fish.
Ecological Counterpart Close Relative Close Relative
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