How to Identify Australian Herring

To identify Australian Herring (Arripis georgianus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Silvery-grey to greenish-blue dorsally, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Often exhibits several rows of small, dark spots or blotches along the upper flanks, particularly noticeable in younger individuals. Fins are generally dusky.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, fusiform body, Large eyes, Small, ctenoid scales, Two dorsal fins, the first spiny and the second soft-rayed, Forked caudal fin, Often has rows of small dark spots on upper flanks

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with IX-X spines, the second with 1 spine and 15-19 soft rays. The two fins are separated by a distinct gap.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are moderately long, positioned low on the body. Pelvic fins are thoracic.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with III spines and 9-10 soft rays. The spiny dorsal fin is notably longer than the soft-rayed dorsal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for the torpedo-shaped, silvery body with a greenish-blue back and silvery-white belly. The presence of small, dark spots in rows along the upper flanks is a key identifier, especially in smaller fish.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fins

   Note the two distinct dorsal fins, with a clear gap between the spiny first dorsal and the soft-rayed second dorsal. The spiny dorsal is typically longer.

3. 3

   Geographic Location

   Its distribution is restricted to southern Australian waters, which helps differentiate it from similar-looking species found elsewhere.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults typically reach 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) in length, with a maximum recorded size of about 41 cm (16 inches) and a weight of 800g (1.7 lbs).

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