Dorab wolf-herring facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dorab wolf-herring |
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| Dorab wolf-herring | |
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Chirocentridae
Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1846
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Chirocentrus
Cuvier, 1816
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C. dorab
(Forsskål, 1775)
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The dorab wolf-herring (Chirocentrus dorab) is a speedy fish that lives in the ocean. It belongs to a group of fish called Chirocentrus and is part of the Chirocentridae family. This fish has a shiny silver belly and a bright blue back. You can find it in salty ocean waters, but also in places where fresh river water mixes with the sea, like estuaries. It loves to eat smaller fish and sometimes even tiny sea creatures called crustaceans.
The name Chirocentrus comes from Greek words meaning "hand" and "sting." The word "dorab" might come from an Arabic word for "goldfish." It also has another Arabic name, "lisan," which means "tongue."
What Does the Dorab Wolf-Herring Look Like?
The dorab wolf-herring has a long, thin body. It usually grows to be about 3 to 120 centimeters long. This fish can weigh anywhere from 170 to 1,200 grams.
Where Does the Dorab Wolf-Herring Live?
You can find the dorab wolf-herring in warm coastal waters across the Indo-Pacific region. This area stretches from the Red Sea and East Africa all the way to the Solomon Islands. It also lives north towards southern Japan and south to northern Australia. Recently, it has also been seen near Tonga.
How Are Dorab Wolf-Herrings Used?
The dorab wolf-herring is a fish that people catch for food. It is sold fresh, dried, salted, or even frozen. It is also a popular fish for sport fishing, meaning people enjoy catching it for fun.
