Scientific Name: Ablennes hians (Valenciennes, 1846)
English Name: Flat needlefish
Local/Bangla Name: Chepta kakila (চ্যাপ্টা কাকিলা), Kaikka (কাইক্কা), Kakila (কাকিলা), Chepta thuitta mach (চ্যাপ্টা ঠুইট্টা মাছ)
Labcode: F1801SM-11
Photo: ABR Lab
Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Beloniformes
Family: Belonidae
Description:
The body is highly laterally compressed, featuring a dorsal fin with 23–26 rays (typically 24–25) and an anal fin with 24–28 rays (usually 26–27). Gill rakers are not present. The pectoral fins are falcate and consist of 13–15 rays. The anterior parts of the dorsal and anal fins have elevated, falcate lobes. Caudal peduncle lacks lateral keels. In terms of coloration, the body exhibits a bluish-green hue above and silvery-white below with 12–14 distinct dark vertical bars on the body.
Habitat & Distribution in Bangladesh:
Coral reef ecosystem of Saint Martin’s Island, Bangladesh
Environment:
Marine, Brackish (Reef associated fish)
Other References:
Thompson PM, Islam MA (Eds.) (2010) Environmental Profile of St. Martin’s Island, United Nations Development Programme, Dhaka, 150 p
Uddin MS, Chowdhury SR, Rashed MR, Singha NK, Tazim MF, Mamun MAA, Mamun A, Rahman MM, Hasan ME (eds.) (2022) Album: Marine and Coastal Fishes of Bangladesh, Department of Fisheries, Government of Bangladesh. 336 pp
Hossain MS, Chowdhury SR, Sharifuzzaman SM, Islam MM, Hasan J, Haque MA, Ali MZ, Hoq ME, Mahmud Y. Marine Fishes of Bangladesh (2022) Department of Fisheries,Government of Bangladesh. 336 pp.
