Nematalosa papuensis (Munro, 1964)
Strickland river gizzard shad
Nematalosa papuensis
photo by FAO

Family:  Dorosomatidae (Gizzard shads and sardinellas)
Max. size:  21 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Oceania: endemic to Papua New Guinea (only known from Fly and Strickland rivers).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-17; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 17-26. Belly with 16 to 18 (usually 17) + 10 to 13 (usually 11 or 12), total 26 to 31 (usually 28 or 29) scutes. Anterior arm of pre-operculum wit a fleshy triangular area above, not covered by third infra-orbital bone (see N. come). Edge of lower jaw strongly flared outward. Pectoral axillary scales absent. Hind edge of scales toothed; no dark spot behind gill opening; a band on flank.
Biology:  Occurs in rivers, but there is no indication whether it descends to estuaries. A filter-feeder. More data needed.
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 02 March 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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