Biology

Occurs in coastal waters, estuaries and reaching up to middle parts of rivers, apparently able to tolerate freshwater (Ref. 189, 11230). Lives in not really clean water but not really turbid water either (Ref. 12218). Goes to the deep water areas of rivers at night (Ref. 12218). Planktivore (Ref. 12218). Spawns around three times in a lifetime and spawning occurs in between reeds (Ref. 12218). In Ariake Sound, Japan it breeds from May to August, the fishes running about 15 km up the Chikugo River and spawning in freshwater, the spherical eggs floating down and hatching near the river mouth. Its relatively large size makes it a more esteemed food fish than most Coilia. Used in Chinese medicine (Ref. 12166).