Description:

Dorsal spines: 4-5; Dorsal rays: 8-9; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 8-10.
Head broad. Interorbital slightly convex. Eyes large. Adipose tissue little developed. A small slender part of maxilla exposed when mouth closed. Upper lip with a row of very small, well-spaced, peg-like teeth. One or two irregular inner rows of small teeth well separated from outer row. Scales large and finely ctenoid. Anal fin anterior rays three times the length of posterior rays. Caudal fin emarginate. 
Colour. Head and body greenish grey dorsally, silvery below. Fins grey or bluish and may appear yellowish at base. Small yellow spot on operculum. Pectoral fins with golden base, and often a dark spot. Caudal fin posterior margin dusky. 
 

Size:

Maturity: Lm 23cm SL. Range unknown. Max Length: 60cm. Commonly to 26cm SL.  

Habitat and Ecology:

Occur in shallow coastal waters, and from brackish water to freshwater regions of rivers (depth 0-10m). Schooling species. Post larvae feed on copepods insect larvae, fish eggs and diatoms. Juveniles and adults feed on small algae, diatoms, benthic polychaetes, crustaceans, molluscs, organic matter and detritus. Forms larger aggregations for spawning. Oviparous, eggs are pelagic and non-adhesive.

Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in net fisheries, and is an occasional moderately abundant component of the catch. 

Notes:
References:

Anam, R. & Mostarda, E. (2012). FIELD IDENTIFICATION GUIDE TO THE LIVING MARINE RESOURCES OF KENYA. UNFAO Rome, 2012. ISBN 978-92-5-107239-4

Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. 2019. FishBase. http://fishbase.org/summary/4816 (01/08/19).

Heemstra P & Heemstra, E. (2004). Coastal Fishes of Southern Africa. NISC SAIAB. ISBN: 1-920033-01-7.

Hoese, D. 2018. Planiliza macrolepis (amended version of 2012 assessment). The IUCN Red List 2018: e.T166856A128736740. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T166856A128736740.en. (01/08/19).

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