Bombay duck

fish

Also known as: Harpadon nehereus

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Article History

Bombay duck, (Harpadon nehereus), fish of the family Synodontidae, found in estuaries of northern India, where it is widely used as a food fish and, when dried, as a condiment. The Bombay duck grows to a length of about 41 cm (16 inches) and is a dull, translucent gray or brown in colour with small, dark speckles. It has a large mouth, a forked tail, and large pectoral and pelvic fins. Several related species, also belonging to the genus Harpadon, are found from Africa to Australia and New Guinea.

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.