Kanagurta

Kanagurta is a genus of tropical marine fishes found in the coastal waters of the Indian Ocean and western Pacific. The genus includes several small, schooling species that inhabit warm surface waters near productivity-rich shores.

Most kanagurta species are small, laterally compressed fish with a streamlined body and a forked tail. They typically reach around 15 to 25 cm, though sizes vary by species, and they display a silvery coloration with a darker back.

Ecology: They are pelagic and planktivorous, feeding on zooplankton and small crustaceans. They form dense shoals in coastal and shelf areas, often around upwelling zones, and show seasonal migrations linked to feeding and spawning.

Fisheries: Kanagurta are targeted by artisanal and small-scale fisheries in several regions. They are sold fresh and, in some markets, dried, salted, or canned, contributing to local food security and livelihoods.

Taxonomy and nomenclature: The genus Kanagurta is recognized in scientific literature as part of the broader group of ray-finned fishes. Species composition and classification are subject to revision as new morphological and genetic data become available.

Conservation: Because they are small, fast-growing pelagic fish, kanagurta are generally not globally endangered, but local depletion can occur under heavy fishing pressure. Regional management and data collection help sustain catches.