Identification
The head is large and deep, and the snout is short. Dark dots occur on the upper head, with a row near the anal-fin base. The silver side stripe becomes less evident as the fish grows, so small and large individuals need not show the same conspicuous band.
Size and Weight
The species summary reports a maximum total length of 20.5 cm and a maximum weight of 140.58 g, approximately 8.1 inches and 4.96 ounces. Both are attributed to research around an artificial reef off northern Rio de Janeiro. They are reported maxima rather than an expected size for every school.
Habitat and Feeding
Large schools occur inshore and enter brackish lagoons and estuaries. Numerous fine gill rakers suit filtering small food particles. The summary suggests both plant and animal plankton, but does not establish a precise diet ratio.
Reproduction and Fishing Context
A study of commercial catches in Guanabara Bay found a broad spawning period from late winter into spring, with a November peak. Larger females produced more eggs. These Brazilian observations are regional, not a universal calendar. A targeted recreational bait or lure recommendation was not verified.
A Stripe That Changes With Size
The silver band is reported to disappear at about 10 cm standard length, measured before the tail fin. An adult can therefore look less strongly striped than a smaller fish of the same species. Body shape and other markings remain useful checks.
All Lakes With Bocon
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Bocon records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.