Japanese Gizzard Shad

Body generally more slender than in other species, belly with total 30 to 34 scutes. Anterior arm of pre-operculum with a fleshy triangle above, not covered by third infra-orbital bone (see N. come). Lower jaw strongly flared outward. Pectoral axillary scale well developed. Hind edge of scales distinctly toothed. A dark spot behind gill opening.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 17 - 26

Schooling near shore over sand or mud, preferring warmer water than Konosirus punctatus. A filter-feeder; takes minute algae or organic matter.

Schooling near shore over sand or mud, preferring warmer water than Konosirus punctatus. A filter-feeder; takes minute algae or organic matter. Breeds around May in Japanese waters.

fisheries: minor commercial; price category: low; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family

分布於西北太平洋區，由日本、東中國海、臺灣至南中國海、香港等。臺灣分布於南部、北部、西部及澎湖海域。

本種魚產量並不大，常混於流刺網漁獲中，可生鮮、乾製或醃漬出售。主要漁法為流刺網。

體呈長卵圓形，側扁，腹緣具鋸齒狀的稜鱗，16-19+13-16個。頭中大。吻短而鈍突。眼側位，脂性眼瞼發達。口下位，平直；無齒；上頜突出於下領，上頜骨末端向下彎曲，向後延伸至眼前緣下方。鰓蓋光滑；前鰓蓋骨下支上方有三角形之肌肉。體被橢圓形圓鱗，鱗片後緣之具鋸齒狀，縱列鱗48-50；背鰭前不具中線鱗；胸鰭和腹鰭基部具腋鱗。背鰭位於體中部前方，具軟條17-18，末端軟條延長如絲；臀鰭起點於背鰭基底後方，具軟條21-23；腹鰭軟條8；尾鰭深叉。體背部綠褐色，體側下方和腹部銀白色；鰓蓋後上方具一大黑斑，其後有數列黑色小點狀縱帶。背鰭、胸鰭、尾鰭淡黃色；餘鰭淡色。

沿近海中底層洄游性中小型魚類，有時會進入河口域、半淡鹼水之河川下游、內灣或潟湖區內產卵。群游性。以浮游生物為食。