Elemental concentrations were compared in Coilia ectenes, C. ectenes taihuensis, C. mystus and C. grayii. An Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES, iCAP6300) was used to measure the concentrations of 23 chemical elements(Al, B, Cd, Co, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Se, Sn, Sr, Ti and Zn). The concentrations of 10 chemical elements (B, Cd, Co, Cr, Li, Mo, Pb, Se, Sn and Ti ) were below the detection limit. All samples were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA analysis, principal components analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis(HCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Results indicated that significant difference was observed among the elements concentrations of four groups. The groups of fish could be distinguished by both PCA and HCA. Discriminant function analysis allowed correct classification rate of 100%for all 30 individuals. The analysis results of elemental concentrations features indicated that the species of genus Coilia could be distinguished effectively.