Ambassis gymnocephalus (Lacepède, 1802)

Description


Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 10.

Taxonomic Hierarchy


Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Ovalentaria/misc

Family: Ambassidae

Genus: Ambassis

Species: Ambassis gymnocephalus (Lacepède, 1802)

Climate Zone


  • Tropical
  • Location


    • Indo-West Pacific: South and East Africa, including Mauritius, Réunion, Madagascar and Seychelles, to Philippines, north to India, south to northern Australia (Ref. 33390). Extends south on African coast at least to Algoa Bay, South Africa (Ref. 4318).

    Biology


    Fairly common in marine and fresh waters (Ref. 4180); found in shallow waters; common in estuaries; may enter lower reaches of rivers. Can tolerate fresh water only within a narrow temperature (23-26°C). Feeds mainly at night on crustaceans, but also takes small fishes, fish eggs and larvae in estuaries (Ref. 7248). Marketed dried, salted and fresh (Ref.97399).

    Habitat


    freshwater

    Conservation Status


    Least Concern

    Threat to Humans


    Harmless

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    Ambassis gymnocephalus (Lacepède, 1802)