Anodontostoma chacunda

Anodontostoma chacunda or Chacunda gizzard shad is a small species of gizzard shad found in both fresh and marine waters. The fish is from the family Clupeidae.

Habitat

It is found in Indo-West Pacific area mainly from Persian Gulf to coasts of India and Andaman Sea. it has also been reported from the Gulf of Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, south to northern Australia, the Caroline Islands and New Caledonia.

Description

Individuals reach up to a size of 22 cm, with an average size of 14 cm.

Ecology

Anodontostoma chacunda usually dwell in marine environment mainly in coastal area, at times they venture into rivers and estuaries.

Fisheries

Chacunda gizzard shad is captured commercially and sold fresh or frozen, dried or dried-salted.

Used as food

In Thailand, this species of shad is widely used in cooking. In Chonburi Province, which lies along the upper Gulf of Thailand, it is locally known as pla khok . The fish is typically boiled and salted with pickled vegetables, a dish that reflects the influence of Teochew cuisine.
In the Songkhla Lake Basin, the fish's roe is rounded with herbs and fried in hot oil on a flat pan. This preparation is a local specialty that can only be found in Phatthalung Province.