Bluestripe herring

The bluestripe herring is found on coastal coral reefs and offshore. It reaches 15 cm in length. During the day it forms schools in shallow waters, but at night it swims to deep waters.  They form particularly large schools near estuaries. It can be distinguished from similar species of herring, by the protrusion near the edge of the gill hole. The bluestripe herring is a common fish in Okinawa.  Fisherman catch schools of the bluestripe herring in shallow waters then use them for food or as bait for larger fish such as bonito.