The clupeoid fishes (families Chirocentridae, Clujjeidae and Engraulidae) are the most important single group in Indian fisheries, representing 15-20% of total catches. Some 68 species have been recorded from Indian waters or are likely to be found. The absence of any modem systematic review of Indian clupeoids has often led to faulty identification and nomenclature, which in turn has limited the value of some otherwise useful biological studies.

The synopsis given here is a synthesis of many recent but scattered papers on clupeoid systematics. It contains keys to all Indo-Pacific genera and all Indian Ocean species. The synonymies include the original reference to all generic and species synonyms. Each species is figured and reference to further information is given under the headings synonymy, description, distribution and notes. The clupeoid fishes listed by Russell and Hamilton- Buchanan are also tabulated and identified separately.

many systematic problems remain, especially in the genera Sardinella, Ilisha and Thryssa, but the present synopsis consolidates recent progress and provides a framework for future research.