Tomohiro Yoshida · Hiroyuki Motomura ·Prachya Musikasinthorn · Keiichi Matsuura

15:28:18
2013/10/01
1
表紙.indd

iFishes of northern Gulf of Thailand

ii

iii

Edited by Tomohiro Yoshida, Hiroyuki Motomura, Prachya Musikasinthorn and Keiichi Matsuura
Photographed by Mizuki Matsunuma and Tomohiro Yoshidaiv

Copy Right © 2013 by the National Museum of Nature and Science, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, andKagoshima University Museum
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the publisher. Copyrights of the specimen photographs are held by the Kagoshima
University Museum.
For bibliographic purposes this book should be cited as follow:
Yoshida, T., H. Motomura, P. Musikasinthorn and K. Matsuura (eds.). 2013 (Sept.). Fishes of northern Gulf of Thailand. National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto, andKagoshima University Museum, Kagoshima. viii + 239 pages.
ISBN 978-4-905464-03-7
Cover designed by Masatoshi Meguro
Corresponding editor: Hiroyuki Motomura (e-mail: motomura@kaum.kagoshima-u.ac.jp)

v

Preface
The Gulf of Thailand although relatively shallow with an average depth of 50 m, consists of a vast expanse of the Southeast Asian seas with approximately 350,000 km2. During
the last ice age in the Pleistocene, about 12,000 years ago, sea levels have been estimatedas being about 100–150 m lower than at present, and the current Gulf of Thailand was thena part of Sundaland. This suggests that fishes currently occurring in the Gulf of Thailand
have only relatively recently settled themselves in the Gulf from outside Sundaland. This
have also led ichthyologists to hypothesize that no endemic and no unique fishes are distributed in the Gulf of Thailand. Hence, no comprehensive ichthyofaunal survey on thebasis of voucher specimens in the Gulf has ever been carried out.
This shallow sea is important for Thailand’s fisheries industry, with huge amounts offishes caught from the Gulf on a daily basis. In terms of the Gulf’s fisheries sustainability,
it is important to know and record the fish diversity in order to protect the marine ecosystem and conserve the fisheries resources. During the International Training Program of
the Japan Society for Promotion of Science, Tokyo (ITP of JSPS), two graduate studentsof Kagoshima University, Mr. Mizuki Matsunuma and Mr. Tomohiro Yoshida, and myself
were provided with the opportunity to survey marine and estuarine fishes along the coastof northern Gulf of Thailand at the Kasetsart University for a total period of more than six
months.
As a first step in understanding the fish diversity in the Gulf, this book provides color
photographs of 372 commercial fish species belonging to 109 families collected from theGulf of Thailand. Descriptions of morphology, coloration, size, and distribution are given
for each species account. Editors and authors of this book hope that local fishermen, marine biologists, administrative officials, and lay people would find this book useful in helping to identify fishes up to species level.
Field surveys were mainly supported by ITP of JSPS. Collection building of specimensfrom the Gulf of Thailand was financially supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B, 24370041 and C, 23580259) from JSPS, a Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists(B, 19770067) from the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture, Tokyo, JSPS
Asian Core Program –Establishment of Research and Education Network on Coastal Marine Science in Southeast Asia, and the Coastal Area Capability Enhancement in Southeast
Asia Project of the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto. Funds to publish
this book were provided through grants from the National Museum of Nature and Science,
Tsukuba, the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto, and the Kagoshima University Museum, Kagoshima.

Hiroyuki Motomura
The Kagoshima University Museum
Japan

vi

Editors

Authors (alphabetical order)

Tomohiro Yoshida – The United Graduate School of
Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24
Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan (e-mail: k5299534@
kadai.jp)

Hisashi Imamura – Laboratory of Marine Biology andBiodiversity (Systematic Ichthyology), Faculty ofFisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minatocho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041-8611, Japan (e-mail:imamura@fish.hokudai.ac.jp)

Hiroyuki Motomura – The Kagoshima University
Museum, 1-21-30 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan(e-mail: motomura@kaum.kagoshima-u.ac.jp)
Prachya Musikasinthorn – Research Laboratory ofIchthyology, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University,
Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand (e-mail: ffispcm@
ku.ac.th)
Keiichi Matsuura – Department of Zoology, National
Museum of Nature and Science, 4-1-1 Amakubo, Tsukuba,
Ibaraki 305-0005, Japan (e-mail: matsuura@kahaku.go.jp)

Satoshi Ishikawa – Research Institute for Humanity andNature, 457-4 Kamigamo-motoyama, Kita-Ku, Kyoto
603-8047, Japan (e-mail: oounagi@chikyu. ac. jp)
Seishi Kimura – Fisheries Research Laboratory, Mie

University, 4190-172 Wagu, Shima, Mie 517-0703, Japan(e-mail: kimura-s@bio.mie-u.ac.jp)

B. Mabel Manjaji-Matsumoto – Borneo Marine
Research Institute, University Malaysia Sabah, Locked
Bag 2073, 88999 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (e-mail:mmm408@gmail.com)
Mizuki Matsunuma – The United Graduate School of

Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24
Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan (e-mail:k1139853@kadai.jp)

Keiichi Matsuura – See editors’ details
Hiroyuki Motomura – See editors’ details
Prachya Musikasinthorn – See editors’ details
Ukkrit Satapoomin – Phuket Marine Biological Center, P
O. Box 60, Phuket 83000, Thailand (e-mail: ukkrit@yahoo.
com)
Koichi Shibukawa – Nagao Natural Environment
Foundation, 3-10-10 Shitaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0004,
Japan (e-mail: shibu@crux.ocn.ne.jp)
Siti Tafzilmeriam bt. Sheikh Abdul Kadir – South
China Sea Reference Center and Repository, Institute of
Oceanography and Environment, University Malaysia
Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia(e-mail: sititafzil@umt.edu.my)
Tomohiro Yoshida – See editors’ details
Yusri Yusuf – Institute of Oceanography, University
Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu,
Malaysia (yusriyusuf@umt.edu.my); current address –Molecular Ecology Lab, Australian Rivers Institute,Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland
4111, Australia

vii

Tomohiro Yoshida PhD student, the United Graduate School of
Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan

Hiroyuki Motomura Professor, the Kagoshima University Museum, Japan

Prachya Musikasinthorn Associate Professor, Faculty of Fisheries,
Kasetsart University, Thailand

Keiichi Matsuura Curator Emeritus, Department of
Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science,
Japan

viii

Contents
Introduction.............................................................1
Hemiscyllidae...........................................................8
Scyliorhinidae..........................................................9
Carcharhinidae......................................................10
Sphyrnidae.............................................................11
Narcinidae..............................................................12
Rhynchobatidae.....................................................13
Dasyatidae..............................................................14
Elopidae..................................................................17
Megalopidae...........................................................18
Muraenidae............................................................19
Ophichthidae..........................................................23
Muraenesocidae.....................................................25
Congridae...............................................................26
Nettastomatidae.....................................................27
Pristigasteridae......................................................28
Engraulidae............................................................30
Chirocentridae.......................................................35
Clupeidae................................................................36
Chanidae.................................................................40
Plotosidae................................................................41
Ariidae....................................................................43
Bagridae..................................................................46
Synodontidae..........................................................47
Bregmacerotidae....................................................49
Carapidae...............................................................50
Ophidiidae..............................................................51
Batrachoididae.......................................................52
Antennariidae........................................................54
Mugilidae................................................................56
Atherinidae.............................................................58
Exocoetidae............................................................60
Hemiramphidae.....................................................62
Belonidae................................................................63
Holocentridae.........................................................65
Pegasidae................................................................68
Syngnathidae..........................................................70
Fistulariidae...........................................................72
Synbranchidae.......................................................73
Dactylopteridae......................................................74
Apistidae.................................................................76
Scorpaenidae..........................................................77
Tetrarogidae...........................................................81
Aploactinidae.........................................................82
Synanceiidae...........................................................83
Triglidae..................................................................87
Platycephalidae......................................................88
Ambassidae............................................................93
Latidae....................................................................95
Acropomatidae.......................................................96
Serranidae..............................................................97
Opistognathidae...................................................102
Priacanthidae.......................................................103
Apogonidae...........................................................105
Sillaginidae...........................................................111
Rachycentridae....................................................112

Echeneidae............................................................113
Carangidae...........................................................114
Menidae................................................................123
Leiognathidae.......................................................124
Lutjanidae............................................................130
Caesionidae..........................................................135
Lobotidae..............................................................137
Gerreidae..............................................................138
Haemulidae..........................................................141
Nemipteridae........................................................143
Lethrinidae...........................................................148
Sparidae................................................................150
Polynemidae.........................................................151
Sciaenidae.............................................................153
Mullidae................................................................157
Pempheridae........................................................160
Toxotidae..............................................................161
Kyphosidae...........................................................162
Drepanidae...........................................................164
Chaetodontidae....................................................165
Terapontidae........................................................167
Cepolidae..............................................................170
Cichlidae...............................................................171
Pomacentridae.....................................................173
Labridae...............................................................175
Scaridae................................................................178
Pinguipedidae.......................................................179
Uranoscopidae.....................................................181
Blenniidae.............................................................182
Callionymidae......................................................184
Eleotridae.............................................................187
Gobiidae................................................................189
Ephippidae...........................................................195
Scatophagidae......................................................197
Siganidae..............................................................198
Sphyraenidae.......................................................201
Trichiuridae..........................................................202
Scombridae...........................................................203
Ariommatidae......................................................205
Stromateidae........................................................206
Channidae............................................................207
Psettodidae...........................................................208
Citharidae.............................................................209
Paralichthyidae....................................................211
Bothidae................................................................213
Samaridae.............................................................216
Soleidae.................................................................217
Cynoglossidae.......................................................221
Triacanthidae.......................................................224
Balistidae..............................................................226
Monacanthidae....................................................227
Ostraciidae...........................................................230
Tetraodontidae.....................................................231
Diodontidae..........................................................233
Index.....................................................................235

1

Introduction

By Tomohiro Yoshida
The Gulf of Thailand is surrounded by the Malay
and Indochinese Peninsulas on the west, and north andeast sides, respectively. It has an area of approximately
350,000 km 2 with an average depth of 50 m and a maximum depth of 85 m (Wattayakorn, 2005). It is unclear
what this refers to the range that connects Kota Bharu,
Malaysia from Baibun Cape, Vietnam. The diversity ofmarine fishes of the Gulf of Thailand is still unclear, although Satapoomin (2000) recently reported 241 speciesof coral reef-associated fishes from the Gulf.
The coastal environment of the Gulf is characterized byhaving long sandy beaches with only a few rocky or coral
reefs. This is because it is strongly influenced by the large
amount of fresh water discharge from two large rivers
with wide estuaries, i.e., the Chao Phraya and Bang Pakong rivers. The coral reef ecosystem is well developed on
islands, e.g., Samui islands, which are distant from the influences of river discharge, turbidity and siltation. Thesemarine and coastal habitats are a vital support for a vastvariety of marine and estuarine biota, including fishes.
We carried out field surveys of fishes in the Gulf in
2009–2012 to find out the diversity of marine and estuarine fishes of the area. As a result, 109 families (372
spp.) were recorded. Among these, 4 species including
Apogon fleurieu (Lacepède, 1802) (family Apogonidae),A. gularis Fraser & Lachner, 1984 (Apogonidae), Johnius
heterolepis Bleeker, 1873 (Sciaenidae) and Thamnaconus
hypargvreus (Cope, 1871) (Monacanthidae) are recorded
for the first time in the Gulf.
This field guide is produced based on the above surveys. It covers most of the diversity of coastal fishes occurring in marine and estuarine habitats, and commercial
fishes sold at various fish markets and ports from the Gulfof Thailand.
Species reported in this book are based on voucher
specimens collected and deposited at the Kagoshima University Museum to make them available for future scientific studies. We intend this book to be useful for the study
and research of ichthyology and fishery sciences by researchers, students and local government administrators.
This project was supported by the International Training Program of the Japan Society for Promotion of Science (ITP of JSPS), the Research Institute for Humanity
and Nature (RIHN), Research Laboratory of Ichthyology,
Kasetsart University (RLIKU), the National Museum of
Nature and Science (NSMT), and the Kagoshima University Museum (KAUM).

seining at Bang Sean.
The second survey observed from October to December 2010, also highlighted fishes in commercial trawl
catches sold at the same sites as in the first survey, andincluded another local fish market i. e. Samut Prakan. A

Collection Sites
Surveys of fishes in the Gulf of Thailand were madethree times during the period between 2009 and 2012.
The first survey, carried out from August to October
2009, highlighted fishes in commercial trawl catches soldat local fish markets in Ang Sila, Bang Pakong and Samut
Sakon. A small number of fishes were caught by beach-Collection Sites

2small number of fishes were also obtained from a fish
landing port at Prachuap Khiri Khan. Additionally, we
also used cast-nets and fishing to collect in estuaries at
Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chang Island.
The third survey observed from June to August 2012,highlighted fishes in commercial trawl catches sold at
the same sites as in the second survey. A small numberof fishes were obtained from fish landing ports at Bang
Sean, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Rayong.
The systematic arrangement of families generally follows Nelson (2006). Species in families are arranged inalphabetical order by species name. Each species record
is based on voucher specimens. The photographs are cataloged at the Fish Image Database of Kagoshima University Museum (KAUM–II).
On figure legends of photographs of fish specimens
which were obtained at ports or fish markets during thesurveys, some sampling localities are shown as SS and
SP in parentheses. SS and SP indicate Samut Sakon andSamut Prakan, respectively. Specimens obtained during
the surveys are deposited at the Kagoshima University
Museum (KAUM), Japan.

Samut Prakan

Ang Sila

Prachuap Khiri Khan

Bang Pakong

Samut Sakon

Rayong3

Methods of Measurements and Counts
Methods of measurements and counts generally follow
Nakabo (2002). For fin formulae, the number of spinousand soft fin rays are described by Roman numerals (I, II,
III, ......) and Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, ......), respectively.
The unbranched soft rays are sometimes expressed insmall Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, ......). Spinous fin rays are
generally called spines. In the case of the dorsal or anal(sometimes pectoral or pelvic) fins containing spine andsoft rays, the number of spines and soft rays are separated
by a comma. When the dorsal (or anal) fin consists of
two or more fins (i.e. first dorsal fin, second dorsal fin,......), each fin is separated by a “+” sign. Gill rakers on
the first gill arch on the right side of the body are used forcounting. Number of gill rakers on the upper and lower
limbs are separated by a “+” sign. When present, the one
or more gill rakers between the limbs are included in
the lower limb counts. Number of vertebrae includes theurostyle. Counts of abdominal and caudal vertebrae are
separated by a “+” sign.
A – number of anal-fin rays.
BR – number of branchiostegal rays
D – number of dorsal-fin rays.
DW – disc width: extremities of the left and right pectoral
fins.
DPC – number of dorsal procurrent caudal-fin rays.
FL – fork length: linear distance from most anterior pointof head to bottom of concave margin of caudal fin.

GR – number of gill rakers.
LGR – number of gill rakers on lower limb.
LL – number of lateral line scales: number of scales onlateral line from the scale behind the posttemporal tothe caudal-fin base.
LLp – number of pored scales on lateral line: only the
number of pored scales on lateral line is counted.
LR – number of scales in longitudinal row: number ofscales in longitudinal row from the dorsal end of theopercular membrane to the caudal-fin base.
MP – number of mandibular pores.
P1 – number of pectoral-fin rays.
P2 – number of pelvic-fin rays.
PDS – number of predorsal scales: number of scales on
the dorsal midline from the origin of dorsal fin forward
to occipital region.
PLp – preanal lateral-line pores: number of pores along
lateral line behind gill opening to just above the anus.
SL – standard length: linear distance from mostanterior point of upper jaw (or snout) with mouthclosed to caudal fin base (posterior end of hpurals,roughly where fold formed by bending caudal fin).
TL – total length: greatest linear distance between
most anteriorly projecting part of head with mouthclosed and farthest tip of caudal fin. All unspecified
lengths are assumedto be total lengths.
V – number of vertebrae.

second dorsal fin

first dorsal fin

caudal fin

subterminal notch
gill slits
spiracleeyeanal finpectoral fin
pelvic fin

snout

tail

disc width

Body parts of elasmobranchs

venomous spine

4

lateral linenapespinous portion of dorsal fin
soft-rayed portion of dorsal fin
caudal peduncle

operclesnout eyeupper jaw

lower jaw

cheekpreopercle

caudal fin

pectoral fin

pelvic fin

anal fincaudal-fin base

Body parts of bony fish

1st dorsal fin

2nd dorsal finscutesadipose eyelid

finlets
lateral line
detached anal-fin spines
Body parts of carangid

upper limb
gill rakers

lower limb

Gill arch of carangid

gill filament

5

Acknowledgements
We express our thanks to Sahat Ratmuangkhwang,
Sakda Arbsuwan, Siwaphong Ekajit, Patinya Sreesamran and Nantich Ngamtampong (RLIKU), Likhit Chuchit(Khlong Wan Fisheries Resarch Station), Thiwarat Sinanun, Piyachoke Sinanun, Nirun Shoosuan, Prasert Petrasatien, Suksan Sangkaewsuk and Tanin Mahasatha (Eastern Marine Fisheries Resarch and Development Center),
Eiji Suzuki (Kagoshima University), and Shuhei Nishida(Project Leader of JSPS Asian Core Program – Coastal
Ecosystems in Southeast Asia; Atmosphere and Ocean
Research Institute of the University of Tokyo) for their
special support and cooperation. We are grateful to thefollowing persons for providing information on species
identifications: Yukio Iwatsuki (University of Miyazaki),
Tetsuo Yoshino (formerly University of Ryukyus), Kunio
Sasaki and Hiromitsu Endo (Kochi University), Hiroshi
Senou (Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History), Atsunobu Murase (formerly Tokyo University ofMarine Science and Technology), Gota Ogihara, Masatoshi Meguro, Satokuni Tashiro, Byeol Jeong, Yoshino
Fukui and Harutaka Hata (KAUM), and Yusuke Hibino(FRLM).The first editor and first photographer deeply indebted to Sakda Arbsuwan, Nantich Ngamtampong andSuchat Taotang for generous assistance during their stayin Thailand. This work was supported in part by “International Training Program to Protect Diversity of Bioresources in the Tropical Area” in Kagoshima University,from JSPS.

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Stud., 33 (3); 217–227.

8

HEMISCYLLIIDAE

Longtail Carpetsharks (Bamboosharks)
Small sharks; maximum size toabout 130 cm; around 70 cm in most
species. Body cylindrical, elongated;precaudal tail somewhat longer thanhead and trunk. Nostrils with barbels; nasoral grooves and circumnarial grooves present. Mouth small,
subterminal (located well anterior toeye); teeth small, not blade-like,monocuspid, similar in both jaws.
Eyes without nictitating eyelids.
Spiracles large, situated behind andbelow eyes. Five small gill slits, theposterior 3 over the pectoral-fin base.
Two dorsal fins, without spines; firstdorsal-fin origin above or posterior
to pelvic-fin base; second dorsal fin
subequal and similar in shape as thefirst, well anterior to anal-fin origin;
anal-fin base connected with caudal
fin, with a deep notch between thefins; caudal fin strongly asymmetrical, with a strong subterminal notch.
Color: adults dark gray to lightbrown, plain; head and body withspiracles large

subterminal
notch
head and trunk

precaudal tailnumerous dark spots and faint bands
in some species. Juveniles more intensely spotted, usually with blackedged saddlemarkings.
Remarks: occurring in tropicaland subtropical coastal areas, from
Madagascar to Japan and Australia.
Bottom dwellers. Feed on polychaetes,
crustaceans and small fishes. Oviparous.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Hemiscylliidae is distinguishedfrom other Indo-Pacific orectolobiform
shark families in having an almost
cylindrical body, a long precaudal tail(longer than head and body), second
dorsal fin located anterior to anal fin,and anal-fin base connected with lower
lobe of caudal fin. Orectolobidae –nasal barbels numerous, branched;head and body with elaborate variegated pattern. Ginglymostomatidae
and Stegostomatidae – no circumnarial
grooves; caudal fin elongate, bladelike; precaudal tail shorter than head
and trunk. Scyliorhinidae (carcharhiniform shark) – eyes with weakly differentiated nictitating lower eyelids;
second dorsal fin located posterior toanal fin; anal-fin base not connectedwith lower lobe of caudal fin; headand body with light spots, dark
blotches, bars, and saddles.
(B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)

Chiloscyllium punctatum
Müller & Henle, 1838
Brownbanded Bambooshark
Body elongated, moderately stout,
without lateral ridges. Nostrils subterminal on snout; mouth closer to eyes
than snout tip. Dorsal fins larger thanpelvic fins, with free posterior projections, posterior margins of dorsal finsstraight or distinctly concave; anal-finbase shorter hthan caudal-fin lobe
between lower origin and subterminal
notch. Color: plain dark gray or with
faint grayish bands; with dark transverse bands usually with a scatteringof small dark spots in juveniles. Size:maximum length ca. 1 m. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, from India tonorthern Australia, north to Japan.
Remarks: inshore bottom dweller;
very tenacious of life, can survive outof water for a long period (half a day);marketed fresh, or as fillets in fish
markets of Sabah.
(B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)

Chiloscyllium punctatum, KAUM–I. 47686, 14.1 cm TL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 July 2012

9

SCYLIORHINIDAE
Catsharks

Small sized sharks; maximum size
to about 70 cm; around 45 cm inmost species. Body slender, elongated; tail very slender. Head small,depressed; snout short to moderately
long; eyes with weakly differentiatednictitating lower eyelids; nostrils
with or without nasoral or circumnarial grooves; mouth moderately
large, subterminal (located beloweye); teeth very small, numerous,
with a single medial cusp and usually
1 or more cusplets on each side near
the center of mouth; 5 small gill slits,
the posterior 2 over the pectoral-finbase. Two dorsal fins, without spines,
both fins of similar shape; first dorsalfin origin above or posterior to pelvicfin base; second dorsal-fin origin posterior to anal-fin origin; caudal fin
strongly asymmetrical, with a strong
subterminal notch. Caudal peduncle
without lateral keels or precaudal
pits. Color: head and body gray,brown, yellowish, or black, often

first dorsal-fin origin behind pelvic-fin origin
caudal fin strongly
heteroceralcaudal peduncle
without pits and keels

mouth located beneath eyeswith light or dark spots and dark
blotches, bars and saddles.
Remarks: occurring in tropical andsubtropical areas. Bottom dwellers,
ranging from shallow coastal waters to
depths greater than 2,000 m. Feed onpolychaetes, crustaceans and small
fishes. Used for fishmeal, oil and lobster bait.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Scyliorhinidae is distinguishedfrom other Indo-Pacific carcharhiniform shark families in having a small

slender body, location of the last 2gill slits behind pectoral-fin origin,
the posterior position of the first dorsal
fin, and the absence of keels or precaudal pits on the caudal peduncle.
Also distinguishable from the superficially similar orectolobiform shark(Hemiscylliidae) by the presence of
weakly differentiated nictitating lower
eyelids; and anal-fin base not connected with lower lobe of caudal fin.
(B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)

Atelomycterus marmoratus(Bennett, 1830)
Coral Catshark
Body elongated, very slender. Nostrils subterminal on snout; nasoral
grooves present; anterior nasal flaps
greatly expanded, reaching mouth.
Mouth large, located below eyes;
labial furrows very long. Dorsal finslarge, subequal in shape and size,
angled rearwards. Color: adults andadolescents with marbled appearance;head and body with numerous lightgray and white spots; saddles obsolete. Juveniles darker, head and bodydark gray with pale vertical lines,
black spots with pale margins along
dorsal body. Size: maximum length 70
cm. Distribution: tropical Indo-West
Pacific, from Pakistan to New Guinea
and southern China and Taiwan. Remarks: a common, inshore bottom
dweller, often found in crevices andholes on rocky reefs; oviparous; feed
mainly on bony fishes; marketed fresh,or as fillets in fish markets of Sabah.
(B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)

Atelomycterus marmoratus, KAUM–I. 32798, 51.7 cm TL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

10

CARCHARHINIDAE

Whaler Sharks (Requiem Sharks)
Small to large sharks; maximum
size 7.5 m; around 1–3 m in most species. Body cylindrical, weak lateralkeels on caudal peduncle in some
genera; precaudal tail much shorter
than head and trunk. Head conical todepressed; snout very short to long;spiracles large. Nostrils withoutbarbels, nasoral grooves or circumnarial grooves. Mouth usually large,
arched, and extending well behind
eyes; teeth small to large, blade-like,with a single cusp and cusplets variably developed; anterior teeth inupper jaw smaller than lateral teeth
and not separated from them bysmaller teeth. Eyes on sides of head,with developed nictitating lower
eyelid. Spiracles usually absent. Fivesmall to medium sized gill slits, thelast 1 to 3 behind pectoral-fin origin.
Two dorsal fins, without spines, thefirst larger than the second or subequal; first dorsal-fin base locatedabove interspace between pectoraland pelvic-fin bases; anal fin moderately large; caudal fin strongly asymmetrical, much less than a half oftotal length, with an undulated dorsal
margin, a strong subterminal notch,
and a well-defined lower lobe; pre-caudal fin
strongly asymmetricaleyes with nictitating
membraneprecaudal pitscaudal pits well developed. Intestinewith scroll valve, lacking spiral valve.
Color: head and body gray, yellowish,
or bluish dorsally, white or pale yellow ventrally, sometimes with prominent dark or light marking on fins.
Remarks: circumglobal in thetropic and temperate areas of Pacific,
Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Marine,
occasionally in freshwater lakes orrivers. Typical predator, feed on almost
all aquatic animals. Dominant in tropicalwaters; the larger species are dangerous to people.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Carcharhinidae is distinguishedfrom other Indo-Pacific carcharhiniform shark families in having a character combination of a long snout,spiracles, upper teeth with cusplets,
lower teeth well differentiated fromuppers, long labial furrows, and sec-

ond dorsal fin subequal to first dorsal
fin, its origin anterior to that of theslightly smaller anal fin. Scyliorhinidae – head and body small, slender,
location of the last 2 gill slits behindthe pectoral-fin origin, the posterior
position of the first dorsal fin, andthe absence of keels or precaudal pits
on the caudal peduncle. Triakidae– dorsal margin of caudal fin not undulated; precaudal pits absent; intestine with spiral valve. Hemigaleidae– intestine with spiral valve; spiracle
present but minute; upper teeth withstrong distal cusplets. Sphyrnidae– head hammer-shaped. Lamnidae(lamniform shark) – caudal peduncle
with large lateral keels.
(B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto& S. Kimura)

Carcharhinus sorrah
Müller & Henle, 1839
Spot-tail Shark
Body slender. Snout long, moderately pointed. Upper teeth withoblique cusp, flanked on one side bystrong cusplets; lower teeth narrow,oblique, serrated cusp, no cusplets.
First dorsal fin with a narrow rounded
apex, free rear tip moderately long.
Second dorsal fin very low, inner margin extremely long (2.0–2.6 times finheight). Interdorsal ridge present. Color: grayish; second dorsal, pectoraland ventral tip of caudal fin strikingly
black-tipped. Size: maximum length
at least 160 cm; males and females
mature at 90–115 cm and 95–118 cm
respectively; size at birth 50–55 cm.
Distribution: tropical waters of the

Carcharhinus sorrah, KAUM–I. 47428, 54.2 cm TL
off Tha Chana (SP), 18 June 2012

Indo-West Pacific, from southeastern
Africa to nortern Australia, Solomon
Islands and Japan. Remarks: a common inshore and sometimes offshore
species, on continental and insular
shelves from close inshore and thesurface down to at least 140 m depth.

Often on and around coral reefs, butalso occuring on other bottom habitats. Viviparous, number of young 2 to
6. Common catch of the shark longline and inshore gillnet fisheries. Usedwidely for its fins, meat, skin and cartilage.
(B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)

11

SPHYRNIDAE

Hammerhead Sharks
Medium- to large-sized sharks;
maximum size to about 600 cm;
around 450 cm in most species. Body
elongate, moderately slender. Head
broad, its anterior portion flattened
dorsoventrally and widely expanded
laterally in "hammer" form, withthe eyes at its outer edges; eyes withwell-developed nictitating lower
eyelids; teeth blade-like, monocuspid. Two dorsal fins, the first highand pointed, its base much shorter
than caudal fin and anterior to pelvichead hammer-shaped;
fin origin; caudal fin asymmetrical, eyes located at tips of lateral bladeswith a strong subterminal notch
and a small, but well-defined lower
lobe. Caudal peduncle not strongly
flattened dorsoventrally or widely
Remarks: cosmopolitan in coastal area: none. Not other shark family
expanded laterally, without longitu- tropical and warm temperate seas. has the characteristic hammer-shaped
dinal ridges but with precaudal pits. Viviparous.
head of the Sphyrnidae.
Color: gray to brassy.
Similar families occurring in the(B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)

Sphyrna lewini(Griffith & Smith, 1834)
Scalloped Hammerhead
Body elongate, laterally compressed.
Head broad, hammer-shaped, anterior
margin arched, indented at midline.
Upper teeth triangular, anteriorly upright, posteriorly oblique. First dorsal
fin tall, moderately falcate; second
dorsal fin short with long rear tip andweakly concave posterior margin.
Precaudal pit present, crescentshaped. Color: plain gray to olivaceous; pectoral fins tip gray, black
ventrally. Size: maximum length 350
cm. Distribution: cosmopolitan in all
tropical and warm temperate seas. Remarks: occurs over continental andinsular shelves and adjacent deep
water, to 275 m depth; feed mainly onbony fishes and cephalopods, but also
sharks and rays; potentially dangerous
to humans.
(B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)
Sphyrna lewini, KAUM–I. 33215, 50.9 cm TL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010

12

NARCINIDAE
Numbfishes

Small to medium-sized batoids;
maximum size between 15 and 66
cm, commonly less than 50 cm, in
total length. Head, trunk, and greatly
enlarged pectoral fins fully fused
to form a strongly flattened oval,rounded to shovel-shaped disc; tailstout, shark-like; disc and tail ofequal length or tail longer than disc
length, tail also longer than discwidth. Two dorsal fins, the first originating behind anterior half of total
length, base varying from over rear
halves of pelvic-fin bases to behindrear tips of pelvic fins and junction
between trunk and tail, but well anterior to midlength of tail. Caudal
fin large, subequal to pelvic fins, notshark-like. Five pairs of gill openings
on ventral side of disc. Body entirely
naked above and below, without dermal denticles or thorns. No stinging
spines (stings). Mouth transverse andstraight, without prominent knobs
and depressions but with strong labial folds and a prominent groove
around its periphery; anterior nasal
flaps short, medially expanded andfused into a broad nasal curtain thatslightly overlaps mouth; teeth andpart of tooth bands remain exposed
when mouth is closed, exposed toothbands rounded to angular in outline.
Large kidney-shaped electric or-

caudal fin largegans at bases of pectoral fins, visible
through skin; .no electric organs intail. Color: dorsal surface varies from
whitish, yellowish, brownish, greybrown, greenish, reddish or black,
usually white below but black in deepwater species; dorsal surface either
unspotted or with small to large dark
spots, blotches, bars or lines, or whitespots and line, sometimes forming
complex ocelli on pectoral fins.
Remarks: almost circumglobal
distribution, inhabit inshore to deepwater warm-temperate to tropical continental and continental insular waters.
Occur off sandy beaches and in muddy enclosed bays from the intertidal toa depth of 1,071 m.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Narkidae – with a single dorsal
fin or no dorsal fins; snout shorter;
mouth with a shallow groove around

its periphery, antero-posteriorly elongate nostrils, nasal curtain narrowand longer, with numerous sensory
pores; snout supported by a narrow,rod-like rostral cartilage. Torpedinidae – dorsal fins close together, firstdorsal fin normally much larger thansecond; caudal fin much larger thandorsal fins; snout truncate, pectoral disc transversely elliptical andnormally much greater in length
and width than tail; mouth strongly
arched and without labial folds or aperipheral groove. Hypnidae – spiracles with long papillae; pectoral disclongitudinally pear-shaped; mouth
strongly arched and without labial
folds or peripheral groove; teeth tricuspidate; tail, dorsal and caudal finsvery small; caudal fin as high as dorsal fins. (B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)Narcine brevilabiata
Bessednov, 1966
Shortlip Numbfish
Disc subcircular, thick and flabby;eyes raised, not embedded in skin; twosubequal dorsal fins; mouth subequal
to or only slightly narrower than width
between lateral edges of nostrils; exposed part of tooth bands in jaws relatively broad. Color: disc brownish
dorsally, with numerous dark spots,
those on upper snout distinctly smaller
than eye; 3–5 pairs of very large, dark
blotches on disc; ventral surfaces ofpelvic and pectoral fins often broadly
dark edged. Size: to at least 32 cm
total length. Distribution: South
China Sea in the Northwest Pacific;
possibly extends north to the East China and Yellow Seas. Remarks: de-Narcine brevilabiata, KAUM–I. 32795, 23.6 cm TL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

mersal on the inner continental shelf, protrude as a tube to extract prey fromto depths of 41–70 m. Biology largely the substrate.
unknown, presumably viviparous,(B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)with yolk-sac dependency. Mouth can

13

RHYNCHOBATIDAE
Wedgefishes

Large shark-like batoids; maximum size 270 cm. Head and greatly
enlarged pectoral fins fully fused
to form a small pectoral disc; trunk
thick, shark-like, tail long and stout.
Head narrow and depressed; snout
moderately elongated, angular andsupported by a stout rostral cartilage;eyes and spiracles dorsolateral onhead. Five pairs of gill openings onventral side of disc. Body covered
with small dermal denticles; enlarged
denticles present on dorsal surface on
orbits, and midline of trunk and tail.
Color: yellowish, brownish, graybrown, or greenish dorsally, whiteventrally; dorsal surface with small
to large white spots and sometimes
dark spots on pectoral fins.
Remarks: a small group of inshore tropical batoids, from tropical

pectoral fin ends anterior to pelvic fin

snoutwedge-shapedorsal fins large, falcate

West Africa, and the Indo-West Pacif- with origins in front of nostrils andic. Feed on polychaetes, crustaceans with free rear tips posterior to pelvicand small fishes. Ovoviviparous.
fin origin; lower lobe of caudal fin
Similar families occurring in the short. Pristidae – snout with a rostralarea: Rhinidae – snout broadly rounded; saw; no thorns around eyes, on back,no spiracular folds; mouth with promi- or on tail; dorsal surface plain, withnent knobs and depressions; enlarged out spots or ocelli.
thorns present on dorsal surface on(B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)snout, orbits, shoulders, and midlineof trunk. Rhinobatidae – pectoral fins

Rhynchobatus australiae
Whitley, 1939
Whitespotted Wedgefish
Snout bottle-shaped, constricted neartip; spiracles with two skin folds on
posterior margin; first dorsal fin lessthan 1.5 times height of second (inadults), its origin slightly posterior topelvic-fin origin. Color: disc gray or
brown with inconspicuous white margin; adults with a faint (sometimes
absent) black spot on each pectoral fin,spot diffused-edged in juveniles (lessthan 60 cm), diagonal row of threeequidistant white spots usually above
black pectoral spot. Size: maximum
length 270 cm. Distribution: tropicalIndo-West Pacific, from Taiwan tonorthern Australia, including the Philippines. Remarks: demersal on soft
Rhynchobatus australiae, KAUM–I. 33214, 39.9 cm TL
bottoms near the coast and sand patches
off Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010
on coral reefs, inshore to depths of atleast 60 m; feeds on bottom crustaceans and molluscs; marketed fresh, & Last (2010). Listed in Rhinobatidae
fins prized for the sharkfin trade. Spe- by Nelson (1994), and in Rhinidae bycies listing in Rhynchobatidae follows Compagno & Last (1999).
(B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)
Last & Stevens (2009) and Compagno

14

DASYATIDAE
Stingrays

Small to very large batoids; maximum size 5 m in total length, 2 m indisc width. Head, trunk, and greatly
enlarged pectoral fins fully fused toform a strongly flattened oval, circular,
or rhomboidal disc; tail moderately
depressed and or cylindrical, whiplike. Head not projecting from disc;eyes and spiracles dorsolateral onhead. Five pairs of gill openings onventral side of disc. Body usuallywith denticles, thorns, and tubercles
on the dorsal surface of disc and tail.
In most species, tail with 1–4 stinging spines (stings). Color: grayish
brown or brownish green dorsally,
paler ventrally; a few species withbluish, whitish, or blackish spots,
rings, or reticulations.
Remarks: occur in marine, estuarine, and fresh-water habitat in temperate and tropical areas worldwide.

head not projectingfrom disctail long, slender, whip-like,
without dorsal or caudal finsventral finfold

stinging spine(s) usually present

Similar families occurring in thearea: Plesiobatidae – tail stout, witha long leaf-like caudal fin. Rajidae –tail not whip-like, with small posterior
dorsal fins, and/or caudal fins; pelvic
fins subdivided. Narcinidae – stout
tail with dorsal and caudal fins. Gym-nuridae – disc extremely broad (morethan 1.5 times as broad as long),
tail very short (shorter than ½ discwidth). Myliobatidae – head distinct
from disc; pectoral apices angular,
acute. (B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)Dasyatis zugei(Müller & Henle, 1841)
Sharpnose Stingray
Disc with broadly rounded apices;tail relatively short, tapering in thickness beyond sting; weak dorsal skinfold on tail beyond sting; long, lowventral skin fold on tail; a few small
thorns along midline of disc dorsally;
row of small thorns on tail before stingin adults; snout very elongate; no oral
papillae in mouth. Color: disc brownish dorsally; disc pale or dark edged
ventrally. Size: maximum length 290
cm disc width. Distribution: IndoWest Pacific, from India to eastern
Indonesia (Bali) and northwards tosouthern Japan. Remarks: demersal
on insular and continental shelves, todepths of at least 40 m. viviparous,
gives birth to litters of 1–10 pups;
feeds on bottom crustaceans; marketed fresh. (B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)Dasyatis zugei, KAUM–I. 32797, 40.0 cm TL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

15

Himantura gerrardi(Gray, 1851)
Whitespotted Whipray
Disc quadrangular; tail long, whiplike, no skin folds on tail; widely
spaced granular denticles on central
disc (absent in small juveniles); central disc usually with 1–5 small thorns;
tail lacking thorns; sting situated anteriorly on tail. Color: disc with numerous white spots (rarely plain grayish
brown) dorsally; white ventrally; tailwith alternating light and dark bands(rarely faint). Size: maximum length
85 cm disc width. Distribution: widespread in the Indo-West Pacific, from
India to eastern Indonesia, north to
Taiwan. Remarks: demersal on soft
bottoms, from inshore to depths of atleast 60 m; feeds primarily on smallbottom crustaceans, but also small
fishes; marketed fresh, the skin isvaluable as leather.
(B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)

Himantura gerrardi, KAUM–I. 32744, 62.7 cm TL
Ang Sila, 23 Oct. 2010

Himantura walga(Müller & Henle, 1841)
Dwarf Whipray
Disc almost oval; tail short, notwhip-like (end bulbous in adult females); no skin folds on tail; narrow
band of flat denticles on central disc in
adults; mid-disc thorns absent or rudimentary; tail thorns very elongate,bases nearly half eye diameter inlength; sting situated anteriorly on tail;snout broadly triangular. Color: grayish or brownish dorsally (without apattern); whitish ventrally, sometimes
with a yellowish gray posterior margin. Size: maximum length 240 cmdisc width. Distribution: off Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Remarks: demersal on insular and continental shelves, and occasionally incoastal embayments. Used for its
meat, fresh and dried.
(B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)

Himantura walga, KAUM–I. 32745, 37.6 cm TL
Ang Sila, 23 Oct. 2010

16

Taeniura lymma(Forsskål, 1775)
Bluespotted Fantail Ray
Disc oval; tail base broad, tapering
beyond sting; ventral skin fold on tailrelatively deep, extending to tail tip;
dorsal surface almost smooth to granular (denticles very small); 2 stings,
located posteriorly on tail. Color: discand tail brownish or orangish dorsally,
disc with numerous bright blue spots,
tail with blue stripe on each side before sting. Size: maximum size 350
cm disc width. Distribution: widespread in Indo-West Pacific, fromsouthern Africa to the Solomon Islands,
south to tropical Australia, and north to
the Philippines and Vietnam. Remarks: dominant ray in coral reef
habitats; occurs in inshore to depths ofat least 20 m; feeds on molluscs, polychaetes and crustaceans; marketed
fresh.
(B. M. Manjaji-Matsumoto)

Taeniura lymma, KAUM–I. 32743, 48.8 cm TL
Ang Sila, 23 Oct. 2010

17

ELOPIDAE
Ladyfishes

Medium to large sized (maximum 100 cm, commonly 50 cm)
fishes, slender and moderately compressed. Mouth large, terminal; jaws
subequal; posterior tip of upper jaw
extending posterior margin of eye; agular plate present between arms oflower jaw. Teeth small and granular.
Branchiostegal rays numerous, approximately 27–35. Fins without
spines; a dorsal fin begins slightly
behind midbody, with 20–25 rays,
the last ray not elongate; anal fin
short with 13–18 rays, situated wellbehind base of dorsal fin; pectoral
fins with 17–18 rays, set on side ofbody, near ventral outline; pelvic finsabdominal with 12–16 rays, below
origin of dorsal fin; caudal fin deeply
forked. Scales very small; usually
95–120 in lateral line. Vertebrae 63–
79. Color: body silver, blue or greenish gray dorsally; fins sometimes
with a faint yellow tinge.

last dorsal-fin ray not elongate

lateral line present
mouth terminal

Remarks: one genus (Elops) with
about six species, two of which distributed in the Pacific Ocean. Coastal fishes found in lagoons, bays, and estuaries; commonly travelling in schools inopen water; feeds on various fishes andcrustaceans. Leptocephalus larva having developed caudal fin. Food fishes
used as fresh, dried or salted one; also
known as sport fishes.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Elopidae different from othersimilar families in having gular plate,no scutes along midline of ventral,large number of lateral line scales,much number of branchiostegal rays.
Clupeidae – lateral line absent; gularplate absent; most species have scutes
along midline of ventral. Megalopidae (Megalops cyprinoides) – scales
much larger, about 30 to 40 in lateralline; last ray of dorsal fin elongate
and filamentous. Albulidae (Albulaspp.) – mouth inferior. Chanidae(Chanos chanos) – mouth smaller,
gape not extending behind eye; gularplate absent; branchiostegal rays few(4 or 5).
(M. Matsunuma)

Elops hawaiiensis
Regan, 1909
Hawaiian Ladyfish
D 23–27; A 15–17; P1 17–18; P2
14–15; LL 93–100; BR 27–35; GR
7–8 + 13–15 = 20–23; V 68–70. Body
elongate and slender. Mouth large andterminal; upper jaw extending beyonda vertical through posterior margin ofeye; a gular plate present between
arms of lower jaw. Scales very small.
Dorsal fin large; without elongatedlobe. Caudal fin deeply forked. Color:silvery sides, darker dorsally; fins yellowish. Size: commonly 50 cm. Distribution: widely distributed in the
Indo-Pacific including the Hawaiian
Islands. Remarks: found mainly
coastal waters; larva to juveniles occurring estuaries, and mouth of river.
Marketed fresh, dried, or salted.
(M. Matsunuma)

Elops hawaiiensis, KAUM–I. 33105, 28.0 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 13 Nov. 2010

18

MEGALOPIDAE
Tarpons

Medium to large sized (up to 2.4m) fishes. Body moderately deep,
compressed, deepest in middle, tapering toward both ends. Eye large.
Mouth large, gape ending at level ofposterior margin of eye; lower jaw
projects beyond snout; a gular plate
present between arms of lower jaw.
Teeth small, granular. Branchiostegal rays numerous, 23–27. Gill rakers long and slender. Fins without
spines; a dorsal fin at midbody with
13–21 rays, last ray elongate andfilamentous; anal fin relatively longwith 22–29 rays; pectoral fins set low
on side of body near ventral margin;
pelvic fins abdominal with 10 or 11
rays; caudal fin deeply forked. Scales
large, about 40–50 in lateral line.
Color: body silvery, bluish green
dorsally.
Remarks: one genus (Megalops),
with two species are known fromworldwide, one of which (M. cyprinoides) distributed in the Indo-Pa-

last ray of dorsal
fin elongate and filamentous
mouth terminal
lateral line present

cific. Coastal fishes found in lagoons,bays, and estuaries; commonly travelling in schools in open water; feeds on
various fishes and crustaceans. Leptocephalus larva having forked caudal
fin. Food fishes used as fresh, dried orsalted one; also known as sport fishes.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Megalopidae different from other similar families by having a gularplate, no scutes on ventral, fewer number of lateral line scales, much number of branchiostegal rays, last dorsal-fin ray elongate and filamentous.
Elopidae (Elops spp.) – scales muchsmaller, about 100 on lateral line;
last dorsal-fin ray not elongate andfilamentous. Albulidae (Albula spp.)– mouth inferior; last dorsal-fin ray
not elongate and filamentous; scales
smaller. Clupeidae – lateral line absent; gular plate absent; most species have scutes on midline of belly.
Chanidae (Chanos chanos) – mouthsmaller, gape not reaching beyond
anterior part of eye; scales smaller;
last dorsal-fin ray not elongate andfilamentous; gular plate absent; fewer
branchiostegal rays (4).
(M. Matsunuma)

Megalops cyprinoides(Broussonet, 1782)
Indo-Pacific Tarpon
D 16–20; A 23–31; P1 10–11; P2 14–
15; LL 30–40; BR 23–27; GR 7–8 +13–15 = 20–23; V 66–70. Body moderately deep and compressed. Mouth
large and terminal; lower jaw projects
beyond snout; a gular plate present between arms of lower jaw. Scales large.
Dorsal fin large; with elongated lobe.
Caudal fin deeply forked. Color: bodysilvery, darker dorsally; dorsal andcaudal fins dark yellowish. Size: 80
cm SL. Distribution: Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, from the east
coast of Africa to the Society Islands,
north to southern Japan. Remarks:
marketed fresh.
(M. Matsunuma)

Megalops cyprinoides, KAUM–I. 47429, 33.0 cm SL
off Tha Chana (SP), 18 June 2012

19

MURAENIDAE
MoraysSmall to very large eels, maximum length attaining to 375 cm.
Body elongate. Dorsal profile ofhead above and behind eye raised.
Eye well developed. Snout short toelongate. Mouth large, gape usuallyextending behind posterior margin ofeye. Posterior nostril high on head,
above or before eye, a simple pore orin a tube. Gill openings restricted tosmall round hole or slit. Dorsal andanal fins variously developed, continuous with caudal fin around tailtip. Pectoral and pelvic fins absent.
Lateral line pores absent on body except for 1 or 2 above and before gill
opening. Color: variable, from nearly uniform to distinctive patterns ofspots, blotches bars, and/or reticulations. Remarks: Muraenids usuallyknown from tropical and subtropicalseas, some species in or occasionallyentering freshwater. Many are foundin shallow waters, inhabiting rocks

Posterior nostril highon headPectoral and pelvic fins absent

and coral reef (some in mud bottom todepths of 500 m).
Similar families occurring in thearea: Chlopsidae – posterior nostril
low on snout or inside mouth. Ophich-thidae – posterior nostril low on sideof head, on lip, or opening insidemouth. Congridae – pectoral fin usually present.
(H. Imamura)Gymnothorax dorsalis(Seale, 1917)
V 154–163. Body moderately elongate. Teeth 2 rows anteriorly and 1
row posteriorly. Snout rounded. Dorsal-fin origin over or slightly anterior
to gill opening. Anus before middle ofbody. Color: body brown; tip of tailblack; gill opening pale. Size: maximum length 80 cm. Distribution:
Western Pacific, including South China Sea, Malaysia, Taiwan and HongKong. Remarks: occurs in coastal wa(T. Yoshida)ters.

Gymnothorax dorsalis, KAUM–I. 33076, 46.1 cm TL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 12 Nov. 2010

20

Gymnothorax herrei
Beebe & Tee-Van, 1933
V 129–144. Body moderately elongate. Teeth in the middle of premaxilla
arranged in almost 1 row. Dorsal-fin
origin over before gill opening. Anusat or near middle of body. Snout faintly rounded. Color: body pale whitewith 14–22 dark brown bars on body;gill opening pale. Size: maximum
length 60 cm. Distribution: IndoWest Pacific, including Red Sea,
South China Sea, and Philippines. Remarks: occurs in coral reef and rocky
shore waters.
(T. Yoshida)

Gymnothorax herrei, KAUM–I. 32949, 34.5 cm TL
Ang Sila, 30 Oct. 2010

Gymnothorax minor(Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
V 129–144. Body moderately elongate. Single teeth row on lower jaw.
Dorsal-fin origin over before gill
opening. Anus at or near middle ofbody. Snout faintly rounded. Color:body pale white with 14–22 darkbrown bars on body; gill opening pale.
Size: maximum length 60 cm. Distribution: Western Pacific from Australia north to Japan. Remarks: occurs incoastal waters at depths of 67–175 m.
(T. Yoshida)

Gymnothorax minor, KAUM–I. 33163, 47.2 cm TL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Nov. 2010

21

Gymnothorax pseudothyrsoideus(Bleeker, 1852)
Highfin Moray
V 128–131. Body moderately elongate. Teeth in jaws moderately large
canine in single row; usually with single median row of 3 intermaxillarycanines. Dorsal fin rather high. Anusin about middle of body. Color: body
pale yellowish, densely spotted withdark brown; spots clustering to form
dark blotches larger than eye in about
4 irregular rows on body; juveniles
with a white margin on fins. Size:maximum length 80 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, including
Oman, India, Andaman Sea, southern
Japan, Indonesia and Australia. Remarks: specimens mainly from tidepo
ols.
(H. Imamura)Gymnothorax pseudothyrsoideus, KAUM–I. 33142, 54.0 cm TL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

Gymnothorax thyrsoideus(Richardson, 1845)
White-eye Moray
V 125–137. Body moderately elongate. Teeth conical, 2 rows on side ofupper jaw and front of lower jaw. Dorsal-fin origin about halfway between
corner of mouth and gill opening.
Anus at or near middle of body. Color: body whitish to pale yellowish,
densely mottled with dark gray or
brown; front half of head uniform dark
purplish gray; dusky gray around gill
opening. Size: maximum length 66
cm. Distribution: distributed in IndoPacific, except for Hawaiian Islands
and Red Sea. Remarks: generally
found on seaward reefs. (H. Imamura)Gymnothorax thyrsoideus, KAUM–I. 33143, 46.9 cm TL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

22

Uropterygius micropterus(Bleeker, 1852)
Tidepool Snake Moray
V 111–120. Body moderately elongate. Two teeth rows on both jaws.
Anus at or near middle of body. No
pore adjacent to posterior nostril.
Snout weakly pointed. Color: body
pale white with numerous small brownspots on body; tip of tail black; gill
opening pale. Size: maximum length
30 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific,
from the east coast of Africa to Samoa,
north to Japan. Remarks: inhabits
shallow coral reef.
(T. Yoshida)

Uropterygius micropterus, KAUM–I. 33140, 46.3 cm TL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

23

OPHICHTHIDAE

Snake Eels and Worm Eels
Marine fishes, some species in or
occasionally entering freshwater.
Body snake-like or worm-like, moreor less rounded in cross section.
Throat swollen. Eye usually small
and just above mouth. Snout pointed.
Anterior nostril tubular, near tip ofsnout. Posterior nostril low on head,on lip, or opening inside of mouth.
Mouth moderate to large, terminal orinferior. Teeth variable in form, fromfang-like to conical to molariform tovilliform. Gill opening midlateral tocompletely ventral, round or slit-like.
Dorsal, anal, pectoral and caudal finspresent or absent; when caudal fin
present, confluent with dorsal andanal fins, when absent, tip of tail often hard and pointed. Lateral line
complete, usually with well developed pores on head and body. Scales
absent. Color: highly variable, from
uniform light or dark to various patterns of spots, stripes, or bars; usually darker dorsally than ventrally.

dorsal fin present or absent

throat swollen
anal fin present
or absent

pectoral fin
present or absent

Remarks: ophichthyids occur in awide variety of habitats from muddy
estuaries to coral reefs to the midwater
realm, from the shore to depths of
700–800 m or more, but most occur inless than 200 m.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Muraenidae – posterior nostril
high on head, above or before eye, a
simple pore or in a tube. Muraenesocidae – throat not swollen.
(H. Imamura)anterior nostril tubular, near tip
of snout

posterior nostril low on head,on lip, or opening inside of mouth

Myrophis microchir(Bleeker, 1864)
Ordinary Snake Eel
P1 9–12; PLp 47–51; V 153–164.
Body extremely elongate. Tip of snout
rounded. Dorsal-fin origins behind
pectoral fin. Pectoral fin is present.
Tail tip pointed. Color: head and bodywhitish brown, darker dorsally. Size:maximum length about 39 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, including
the Red Sea, from the east coast of Africa to Australia, north to Japan. Remarks: inhabits sandy substrates.
(T. Yoshida)

Myrophis microchir, KAUM–I. 22974, 34.2 cm TL
Bang Pakong, 31 Aug. 2009

24

Pisodonophis cancrivorus(Richardson, 1848)

Pisodonophis cancrivorus, KAUM–I. 32746, 66.2 cm TL
Ang Sila, 23 Oct. 2010

Longfin Snake Eel
P1 13–14; PLp 55–60; V 153–162.
Body extremely elongate. Mouth
moderately large; teeth of upper andlower jaws, and vomer villiform,
forming wide bands. Dorsal fin begins above pectoral fin; tip tail finless,pointed; pectoral fin well developed.
Color: head and body yellowish
brown, darker dorsally; dorsal andanal fins dark brown. Size: maximum
length about 100 cm. Distribution:
Indo-West Pacific, including the Red

Sea, from the east coast of Africa east
to French Polynesia, Australia northto southern Japan. Remarks: inhabits
coastal waters of muddy bottom.
(M. Matsunuma)

25

MURAENESOCIDAE
Pike Congers

Median to large sized (up to morethan 1 m) marine fishes. Body moderately elongate, compressed alongtail. Head moderate to moderately
elongate. Eye well developed. Snout
moderate to acute, projects somewhat beyond tip of lower jaw. Mouth
large, gape ends behind posterior
margin of eye; lips without fleshy
flanges; tips of lower jaw with enlarged teeth that fit into a notch inunderside of snout when mouthclosed. Teeth large, prominent, sharp;
multiserial on jaws; typically in 3
rows on vomer, with a median row ofcanines flanked on each side by a rowof much smaller teeth. Anterior nostril tubular, on side of snout just behind tip; posterior nostril a simple
opening in front of eye at approximately mid-eye level. Gill opening alarge, oblique slit in front of and below pectoral fins; gill openings of the2 sides nearly meet on ventral midline, interspace much smaller thanlength of gill opening. Dorsal andanal fins well developed. Lateral line
complete, but usually opening throughmouth terminal

mouth extends
beyond eyelarge gill opening

a complex or branching system ofmultiple pores rather than a single
pore per segment. Scales absent.
Color: brown or silver gray to
black, lighter ventrally; vertical finsusually edged in black; no distinct patterns or markings.
Remarks: muraenesocids are foundin tropical and subtropical coastal waters of worldwide, inhabit primarilyon sand or mud bottoms. Commonly
collected with bottom trawls.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Congridae – underside of snout
without a conspicuous notch; teeth onvomer typically inconspicuous; gill
openings not meeting across midline.
Anguillidae – body covered with embedded scales; lower jaw projecting
slightly. Ophichthidae – no caudal fin
but tail tip pointed in most genera;
throat swollen; a median frontal poreon head. Muraenidae – no pectoral
fin; gill opening a small hole.
Chlopsidae – gill opening a small
hole; vomer teeth in 2 divergent rows;
lateral line reduced; pectoral finspresent or absent. (M. Matsunuma)

Muraenesox cinereus(Forsskål, 1775)
Daggertooth Pike Conger
D before anus 66–78; PLp 40–47; V
145–159. Body moderately elongate;head broader, interorbital width about
8 times in head length; anus before
mid-body. Snout relatively blunt, notwell pointed; mouth large, end of
mouth slit behind posterior margin ofeye; teeth almost canine like; vomer
with a median series of compressed,
strong canine teeth with 1 or 2 basal

Muraenesox cinereus, KAUM–I. 33101, 39.0 cm TL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 13 Nov. 2010

cusps. Pectoral and caudal fins developed. Color: head and body uniformly brown; lighter ventrally; medianfins blackish marginally; pectoral fin
black; pores in lateral line and on head
white. Size: maximum length about
80 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pa-

cific, from the Red Sea to Indonesia,
northern Australia north to Japan. Remarks: inhabits coastal waters to
depths of about 100 m. Feeds on benthic fishes and crustaceans.
(M. Matsunuma)

26

CONGRIDAE

Conger Eels and Garden Eels
Small to large sized marine fishes. Body moderately to extremely
elongate, round in cross-section anteriorly, compressed posteriorly.
Throat not swollen. Eye well developed. Snout variable, from long andpointed to short and pug-nosed; tip ofsnout usually extending at leastslightly beyond tip of lower jaw.
Mouth variable, gape usually endingat some point beneath eye; in most
species tip of lower jaw fits into
space behind intermaxillary tooth
patch. Flanges on upper and lower lip
present or absent. Gill opening acrescentic slit, just in front of pectoral fin. Dorsal and anal fins always
present, confluent around tail; dorsal
fin beginning over or slightly behind
pectoral fins, always closer to pectoral fin than to anus. Pectoral fins usu-

pectral fin usually present
dorsal fin present
throat not swollen

gill opening crescentic

anal fin present

ally present. Caudal fin sometimes reduced, but some rays almost always
present. Lateral line complete.Scales
absent. Anus usually located at anterior half to 3rd of TL. Remarks: Congrids are found in tropical to temperateseas worldwide, inhabit primarily onsand or mud bottoms from the coastline

to depths of 200 m or more. Similarfamilies occurring in the area: Muranidae – pectoral fins absent. Muraesocidae – gill openings nearly meeting each other across ventral midline.
Ophichthidae – throat swollen.
(H. Imamura)

Rhynchoconger ectenurus(Jordan & Richardson, 1909)
P1 11–13; PLp 29–31; V 155–159.
Rhynchoconger ectenurus, KAUM–I. 47445, 32.0 cm TL
Body moderately elongate. Tip ofGulf of Thailand (SS), 20 June 2012
snout pointed. Dorsal-fin origins
above pectoral fin. Intermaxillary
tooth patch. Color: body white, darker
dorsally, with a stripe extending from Size: maximum length about 65 cm. Sea to Australia, north to Japan. Repectoral-fin base to caudal-fin base. Distribution: Western Pacific, includ- marks: inhabits sandy substrates.
Margins of dorsal and anal fin black. ing Gulf of Thailand from East China(T. Yoshida)

Uroconger lepturus(Richardson, 1845)
Slender Conger
P1 11–12; PLp 42–45; V 180–206.
Body elongate, tail very long and tapering into pointed tip. Posterior nostril anterior to eye. Mouth large, end of
moth slit behind anterior margin ofeye. Teeth almost canine like. Prevomerine teeth in a single row posteriorly, extending far back on roof of moth.
Gill opening slit-shaped. Fin rays seg-

Uroconger lepturus, KAUM–I. 32841, 26.5 cm TL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

mented. Color: body uniformly pines and southern Japan. Remarks:
brownish. Size: attaining to 52 cm. occurring at depths of 18–760 m.
(H. Imamura)
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, including the Andaman Sea, the Philip-

27

NETTASTOMATIDAE
Duckbill Eels

Medium to large sized (up to 1m) snake-like marine fishes. Body
very elongate; anus before mid-body;tail slender, attenuate. Head slender.
Eye well developed. Snout and jaws
elongate, snout projects a variable
distance beyond tip of lower jaw.
Mouth large, gape extends to about
rear margin of eye; no fleshy flange
on upper or lower lip; some teeth visible when mouth closed; tip of lower
jaw fits into depression behind intermaxillary tooth patch. Teeth generally small, conical, multiserial on jaws
and vomer, some vomerine teeth enlarged but no species in the area haslarge fangs. Anterior nostril tubular,
near tip of snout; posterior nostril
variable in position, either in front ofeye, on lip, on top of head, or on topof body behind head. Dorsal and anal
fins present, confluent with caudal
fin; dorsal fin begins over or slightly
behind gill opening. Pectoral fins absent in all species occurring in theelongate jaws

pectoral fins absent

area. Lateral line complete. Scales absent. Color: brown, lighter ventrally,
without markings; dorsal and anal finsoften edged in black, especially posteriorly.
Remarks: six genera with about
38 species. Found in moderate to deep
water. Collected with bottom trawls,
but no commercial importance.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Congridae – posterior nostril located far forward on snout, closer toanterior nostril than to eye; inner row
of teeth on upper jaw separated fromouter rows by a longitudinal toothlessgroove. Muraenesocidae – pectoral
fins well developed. Ophichthidae –pectoral fins well developed; caudal
fin absent with pointed tail tip, orpresent. Serrivomeridae – pectoral
fins present. Nemichthyidae – pectoral fins present; anus located under or
shortly behind pectoral fins.
(M. Matsunuma)

Saurenchelys cancrivora
Peters, 1864
Slender Sorcerer
PLp 29–39; V 211. Body extremely
elongated; head slender; tail very
long. Posterior nostril front of eye at
mid-eye level. Mouth large, end of
maxilla extending beyond posterior
margin of eye. Teeth small conical on
both jaw, premaxilloethmoid, vomer
and pterygoid. Dorsal fin behind gill
opening. Color: body semi-translucent; a narrow silver band on headfrom snout to opercle; tail brackish.
Size: maximum length about 70 cm.
Distribution: West Pacific. Remarks:
according to Klausewitz & Zajoz(2000), Chlopsis fierasfer Jordan &Snyder, 1901 is junior synonym of S.
cancrivora. Collected with bottom
trawls.
(M. Matsunuma)

Saurenchelys cancrivora, KAUM–I. 24080, 43.2 cm TL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 5 Oct. 2009

28

PRISTIGASTERIDAE
Longfin Herrings

Moderate to large fishes (maximum length 55 cm SL, usually 20–25
cm SL), with compressed, elongatedor deep body. Mouth usually superior
or terminal in some species; upper
jaw with 2 supramaxillae; lower jaw
articulation under eye; teeth on jaws
small or minute, canines only in awestern Atlantic species, Chirocentrodon bleekerianus. Eyelids withbroad vertical opening in middle.
Branchiostegals 6. Fins without
spines; dorsal fin single, short (absent in Indo-West Pacific species,
Raconda russeliana), situated near
midpoint of body; anal fin long, 30–
92 rays; pectoral fins moderate orlarge; pelvic fins with 6 or 7 rays,
situated before dorsal fin origin, butabsent in some genera; caudal fin
forked. Body covered with cycloid
scales; a complete series of scutes
along abdomen; lateral line absent.
Color: bluish green dorsally, blightsilver laterally and ventrally. Remarks: schooling fishes found incoastal areas of tropical and subtropical seas; some species entering estu-

lateral line absent
mouth usually
superior
pelvic-fin insertion
before dorsal-fin origin
lower jaw
articulation under eye

more than 30 anal-fin rays

complete series of scutes along abdomenaries, and a few species restricted to
freshwater. Food fishes used as fresh,
dried, or salted ones. Similar families
occurring in the area: Pristigasteridae different from other similar families in having lower jaw articulation
under eye, pelvic fins inserting before
dorsal-fin origin, long anal fin withmore than 30 rays, a complete seriesof scutes along abdomen, and no lateral line. Elopidae – lateral line present; no abdominal scutes; gular plate
present; numerous branchiostegal rays
(more than 20). Megalopidae – lateralline present, no abdominal scutes; gu-

lar plate present; numerous branchiostegal rays (more than 20). Albulidae– lateral line present; no abdominal
scutes; gular plate present. Chirocentridae – body highly compressed andelongate; no abdominal scutes; jaws
with developed fanglike canine teeth.
Clupeidae – pelvic fins inserting justbelow dorsal fin origin; anal fin shortwith less than 28 rays. Engraulidae –snout pig-like and projecting; jaw articulation well behind eye. Chanidae– lateral line present; no abdominal
scutes; branchiostegal rays few (4 or5).
(S. Kimura)

Ilisha kampeni(Weber & de Beaufort, 1913)
Kampen’s Ilisha
A 38–46; P2 6–7; LGR 20–24. Body
moderately slender its depth 24 to 32% of standard length. Abdomen usually with keeled scutes from isthmus
to anus; 19–21 prepelvic and 8 postpelvic scutes, 27–29 in total number.
Eye large; lower jaw projecting,mouth directed obliquely upward; upper jaw reaching posteriorly to a point
between verticals through anterior
margin and center of pupil; no toothed
hypomaxilla between posterior tip ofpremaxilla and blade of maxilla; jaw
teeth small or minute (usually with
distinct gap at center of upper jaw).
Gill rakers short and thick. Dorsal-fin
origin at midpoint of body, anal-fin
origin equal with vertical through bases of posterior dorsal-fin rays, pectoral-fin length 15–17% of standard
length, pelvic fin usually small in ad-

Ilisha kampeni, KAUM–I. 47366, 13.8 cm SL
Ang Sila, 8 June 2012vance of vertical through dorsal-fin
origin. Vertical striae on scales notcontinuous, but with distinct gap
across center of scale. Swim bladderwith 2 tubes passing posteriorly into
muscles on either side of hemal spines.
Color: body silver and no distinctive
patterns. Size: maximum standard
length 15 cm, perhaps more. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, off eastern

coasts of India, Indonesia (Jakarta,
Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi), Thailand(Gulf of Thailand). Records of thisspecies from the Arabian Sea (Seshagiri Rao, 1975) need confirmation.
Remarks: Marine, pelagic, coastal,
but also entering rivers and toleratingwater of low salinity. Feeds on planktonic crustaceans and fishes, also amphipods.
(S. Ishikawa)

29

Ilisha melastoma(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Indian Ilisha
D 17–18; A 35–48; P1 15–17; P2 6–7;
LGR 21–25. Body compressed, moderately deep (body depth 33–42 %SL); abdomen sharply keeled withprepelvic (usually 17–21) and postpelvic (usually 8–9) scutes (usually 25–
30 in total). Mouth superior, lower jaw
obliquely upward; upper jaw reachinga vertical through anterior margin ofeye; no toothed hypomaxilla between
posterior tip of premaxilla and bladeof maxilla; shaft of maxilla without
distinct lobe or flange between posterior tip of premaxilla and blade ofmaxilla. Swimbladder with 2 tubes
passing posteriorly into muscles on either side of haemal spines. Scales cycloid; vertical striae continuous oroverlapping. Caudal-fin lobes without
extended tips, not lunate. Color: bluegreen dorsally, silvery ventrally. Size:maximum 17 cm SL. Distribution:
Ieastern Indian Ocean (from Malabar
coast of India to western Indonesia)
and West Pacific (southern China, in-Ilisha melastoma, KAUM–I. 32855, 10.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 27 Oct. 2010cluding Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand,
Malaysia, and western Indonesia). Remarks: found in coastal waters andestuaries. Marked fresh, dried, or boiled.
(S. Kimura)

30

ENGRAULIDAE
Anchovies

Small to medium-sized fishes(mostly less than 20 cm, some larger)
with silver-colored, fusiform or slender body. Mouth inferior; snout projecting beyond tip of lower jaw; jaw
articulation well behind eye; upper
jaw with 2 supra-maxillae; teeth onjaws absent or minute, rarely with canines. Fins without spines; dorsal fin
short and single, situated near midpoint of body, far forward in Coilia;
anal fin mostly short, less than 25
rays, but long in some (to over 100rays); pectoral fins set low on body;
pelvic fins abdominal usually with 7
rays; caudal fin deeply forked, but
small and pointed in some. Body
covered with cycloid scales; scutes
often present along abdomen; lateralline absent.
Remarks: schooling fishes foundin marine coastal areas, mostly feeding on small planktonic animals andplants. Small but important food fish-snout projecting

lateral line absent
6–7 pelvic-fin rays

mouth inferior
upper jaw extending beyond hind margin of eye

es used as fresh, dried, or salted ones,
taken by beach seine and other varietyof nets. Regionally some species havegreat contribution to local catches.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Engraulidae different from otherclupeoid families in having projecting
and pig-like snout, slender lower jaw,
and jaw articulation well behind eye.
Chirocentridae – body highly compressed and elongate; no abdominal

scutes; jaw articulation below eye;jaws with developed fang-like canine
teeth. Clupeidae – snout not pig-likeand projecting; jaw articulation anterior to below eye. Pristigasteridae –snout not pig-like and projecting;lower jaw projecting; jaw articulation
anterior to vertical below eye.
(S. Kimura)

Coilia lindmani
Bleeker, 1857
Lindman’s Grenadier Anchovy
D I, 8–9; A 80 or more; P1 vi + 9–11,
P2 i + 6 ; LGR 30–34 (rarely 29). Body
long and tapering; Abdomen rounded
anterior to pelvic fins with complete
series of keened scutes from basal partof isthmus to anus; 13–15 prepelvic
and 20–25 postpelvic scutes, 34–40 intotal number. A small spine-like scute
anterior to dorsal fin origin. Branchiostegal rays 10–11 (rarely 9 or 12).
Maxilla long, reaching posteriorly toor beyond vertical through base of first
pectoral-fin ray. Two supramaxillae
present. Jaw theeth small. Gill rakers
fairly short, their serrae not clumped.
Dorsal fin far forward, beginning infirst third of body length. Anal fin
long, posteriormost fine ray joined to

Coilia lindmani, KAUM–I. 47486, 18.2 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 23 June 2012caudal fin. Caudal fin very small. Isthmus covered with approximate 3
scales at its base. Anterior part ofscales on flanks with many longitudinal striae. Color: body yellowish silver, brown dorsally; fins pale to deep
yellow. Size: maximum standard
length 20 cm. Distribution: Western

Central Pacific (Vietnam, Thailand,
Indonesia at southeastern part of Sumatra and Kalimantan including eastern Malaysian part). Remarks: fish
found in riverine and coastal waters,
but fish habit strictly in estuaries rather
than in fresh water.
(S. Ishikawa)

31

Encrasicholina heteroloba(Rüppell, 1837)
Shorthead Anchovy
D 14–16 (2 unbranched with 11–13
branched fin rays); A 16–18 (2 unbranched and 14–16 branched rays);
P1 13–15; P2 7; LGR 22–30 (usually
23–27). Body nearly cylindrical; abdomen rounded with 4–6 (mostly 5)
sharp needle-like prepelvic scutes; no
postpelvic scutes; no spine on prepelvic scutes. Posterior fontanelles (ontop of head near occiput) remain openin adults. Maxilla tip longer than deep.
Isthmus muscle short, not reaching anteriorly to posterior border of branchial membrane but preceded by asmall bony plate on urohyal between
branchial membranes. Preopercular
canal present only on preopercle. No
predorsal spine-like scute. Origin of
anal fine slightly posterior to verticalthrough base of posteriormost dorsalfin ray. Scales moderate, about 39–43

Encrasicholina heteroloba, KAUM–I. 22950, 6.9 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 31 Aug. 2009

in lateral series. Color: pale creamcolored (when scales lost) with a dull
silver-grey band on flank, with distinct
blue upper edge (when alive); dorsum
beige. Size: maximum standard length
8 cm, probably much longer. Distribution: widespread Indo-Pacific fromRed Sea, East Africa to at least northern Madagascar, eastward to Bay of
Bengal, Gulf of Thailand, and Indonesia, northward to southern Japan;
southward to Cape York, Queensland,also Palau, Caroline Islands to Kosrae,
and eastward to Samoa. Remarks:
Marine, pelagic and schooling inshore.
Breeds throughout the year around fullmoon. Caught mainly with purse
seines, beach seine and fish traps often
using light, also incidentally with bottom trawls. Forms bulk of “Stolephorus” catches in Singapore, Thailand,
and the Philippines.
(S. Ishikawa)

Encrasicholina punctifer
Fowler, 1938
Buccaneer Anchovy
D 14–15 (3 unbranched with 11–12
branched fin rays); A 16–17 (3 unbranched with 13–14 branched finrays); P1 14–16; LGR 23–27. Body
nearly cylindrical; abdomen rounded,with 3–6 (usually 4 or 5, rarely 2 or 7)
sharp needle-like prepelvic scutes; nospine on prepelvic scute. Posterior
fontanelles (on top of head near occiput) remain open in adults. Maxilla
tip blunt, scarcely projecting posteriorly beyond second supramaxilla, notreaching to anterior branchial membrane but preceded by small fleshyknob on urohyal between branchialmembranes. Prepercular canal present
only on preopercle. Origin of anal-fin
posterior to vertical through base ofposteriormost dorsal-fin ray. Scales
moderate, about 39–43 in lateral se-

Encrasicholina punctifer, KAUM–I. 22921, 5.8 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 31 Aug. 2009ries. Color: body pale cream (whenscales lost), with a bright silver lateral
stripe along flanks. Size: maximum
standard length 8.5 cm (to 13 cm total
length). Distribution: very widespread Indo-Pacific from the Persian
Gulf and Red Sea, but not Madagascar, to India probably Myanmar, Gulfof Thailand, Indonesia, northern Australia to at least Brisbane in the east,
and as far eastward as Tahiti, also Phil-

ippines, southern Japan and Hawaii.
Remarks: Marine, pelagic and schooling inshore, but also oceanic and foundhundreds of miles from land. Caught
mainly with purse seines, beach seine
and bamboo-stake traps often using
light, also incidentally with bottom
trawls. Forms bulk of “Stolephorus”
catches in the Philippines. Considered
the most attractive anchovy for bait.
(S. Ishikawa)

32

Setipinna melanochir(Bleeker, 1849)
Dusky-hairfin Anchovy
A 48–53 (3 unbranched and 45–50
branched rays); P1 14–15; LGR 9–12.
Body compressed; abdomen withcomplete series of keeled scutes fromisthmus to anus; 21–26 prepelvic and
8–10 postpelvic scutes, 30–35 in total
number; A small spine-like scute justanterior to dorsal-fin origin. Mouth
slightly oblique, jaws slender; lower
jaw slightly projecting beyond tip ofsnout. First supramaxilla absent; second supramaxilla relatively small,rounded. Jaw teeth small, even absent.
Gill rakers fairly stout, their serrae
moderately large, spiky, but not distinctly clumped. Dorsal fin moderately
long, its origin slightly posterior tobody midpoint, between verticalthrough bases of third to fifth anal-fin
rays. Anal-fin long, its origin anterior
to vertical through base of dorsal-fin
origin. Pectoral filament short or evenabsent, never reaching posteriorly
even to anus. Scales moderate, 45–51

Setipinna melanochir, KAUM–I. 32908, 15.9 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 30 Oct. 2010

in lateral series; striae on anterior partof scales with many radii. Color: dorsum brown or blue, flanks silvery; gillcover and main part of pectoral andpelvic fins often dusky or jet black;other fins pale to bright yellow; posterior margins of dorsal and caudal fins
blackish. Size: maximum standard
length 23 cm, commonly between 18–
19 cm. Distribution: Western Central
Pacific (Thailand, south of Java, including rivers, e.g. Chao Praya and

Mekong in Thailand and the Rokan,
Kapuas and Barito in Indonesia). Remarks: Marine, estuarine and fresh
water; sometimes found 310 km fromsea or even more in the Mekong River.
Caught mainly with beach seine andbamboo-stake traps, also incidentallywith bottom trawls. Marketed fresh,
dried, dried-salted, or made into fishsauce and fish balls.
(S. Ishikawa)

Setipinna taty
(Valenciennes, 1848)
Scaly Hairfin Anchovy
A 48–60; P2 7; LGR 17–21 (usually
18–20). Body deep and strongly compressed; abdomen with complete series of keeled scutes from isthmus toanus; 20–29 (usually 22–27) prepelvic
and 9–14 (usually 11 or 12) postpelvic
scutes, 32–40 (usually 33–39) in total
number; a predorsal spine-like scutepresent. Mouth nearly horizontal, jaws
slender; first supramaxilla absent; second supramaxilla relatively small,rounded. Dorsal-fin origin anterior to
mid-body midpoint, slightly anterior
to vertical through anal-fin origin; anal
fin long; pectoral fin with first fin ray
filamentous, its tip reaching posteriorly to base of 23rd to posteriormost
anal-fin ray; caudal fin well forked,

Setipinna taty, KAUM–I. 32919, 11.4 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 30 Oct. 2010

upper lobe truncated. Scales cycloid,
present on dorsal and anal fins; longitudinal scale rows about 40–48. Color: body yellowish silver, brown dorsally; fins pale to deep yellow, caudal
fin with black margin. Size: commonly 10 cm, maximum length 14 cm.

Distribution: Western Central Pacific, from Gulf of Thailand south to Indonesia. Remarks: schooling fish
found in coastal waters, often entering
estuaries. Marketed fresh or dried.
(M. Matsunuma)

33

Stolephorus dubiosus
Wongratana, 1983
Thai Anchovy
D 14–15; A 18–20; P1 12; P2 7; LGR
25–31 (usually 26–28). Body somewhat deep, compressed; abdomenrounded with 4–7 (usually 6–7) small
needle-like prepelvic scutes, but nopostpelvic scutes; pelvic scute with aspine; a small predorsal spine-like
scute present. Posterior tip of maxilla
pointed, extending to or beyond posterior border of preopercle; posteriorborder of preopercle rounded. Isthmus
muscle reaching to and beyond gillmembrane. Anal fin short, its origin
situated below middle of dorsal-finbase; caudal fin large and forked.
Scales cycloid; longitudinal scalerows about 34–38. Color: body semitranslucent, with a broad silver stripe

Stolephorus dubiosus, KAUM–I. 32921, 6.6 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 30 Oct. 2010

midlaterally; a double pigment line on
dorsum posterior to dorsal fin. Size:maximum ca. 7.5 cm SL. Distribution: eastern Indian Ocean (northernpart of Bay of Bengal) and West Pacific (Gulf of Thailand to Java). Remarks: schooling fish found in coastal
waters and estuaries. (M. Matsunuma)

Stolephorus indicus(van Hasselt, 1823)
Indian Anchovy
D 15–17; A 19–21; P1 15–17; P2 7;
LGR 20–28. Body slender, round incross-section; abdomen with 3–5
small needle-like prepelvic scutes, but
no postpelvic scutes; pelvic scutewithout spine; no predorsal spine-like
scute; posterior tip of maxilla pointed,
extending to or slightly beyond anterior border of preopercle; posteriorborder of preopercle convex androunded. Isthmus muscle tapering andreaching to gill membrane. Pelvic finsinserting well before vertical throughdorsal fin origin; anal fin short, its origin situated at vertical through middleof dorsal fin base; caudal fin large andforked. Scales cycloid; longitudinalscale rows about 40. Color: bodytranslucent, yellowish dorsally, with a

Stolephorus indicus, KAUM–I. 22908, 10.9 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 31 Aug. 2009broad silver stripe midlaterally; headsilver. Size: commonly 12 cm, maximum length 15 cm. Distribution:
widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific,
including the Red Sea, from the east
coast of Africa to Samoa and Tahiti.
Remarks: schooling fish found incoastal waters, often entering estuaries.
(M. Matsunuma)

34

Stolephorus waitei
Jordan & Seale, 1926
Spotty-face Anchovy
D 15–17 (3 unbranched with 12–14
branched fin rays); A 19–23 (3 unbranched with 16–20 branched finrays); P1 13–14; LGR 19–25 (usually
20 or 21). Body somewhat compressed; abdomen with 5–7 (rarely 4)
small needle-like prepelvic scutes; no
postpelvic spine-like scute; pelvic
scute without spine. Posterior frontal
fontanelles (on top of head) remaining
open in adults. Maxilla tip pointed,
reaching to posterior border of preopercle; maxilla extending well beyond second supramaxilla. Isthmus
muscle tapering evenly anteriorly toposterior border of branchial membrane. Posterior border of preopercle
almost always convex, rounded.
Branches of preopercular canal extending onto opercle. Anal-fin short,
its origin at vertical through posterior
part of dorsal-fin base. Pelvic-fin tips
only rarely reaching posteriorly to ver-Stolephorus waitei, KAUM–I. 33061, 7.9 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 12 Nov. 2010

tical through dorsal-fin origin. Scales
moderate, about 36–37 in lateral series. Color: body pale with numerous
black spots below level of eye and on
tip of lower jaw and underside ofsnout; a dark patch posterior to occiput. Size: maximum standard length
9.4 cm, usually between 6–7 cm. Distribution: Western Pacific (Thailand,Java Sea, the Philippines, Irian Jaya if
not also Papua New Guinea; northeast
coast of Australia south to Caloundra,
Queensland) and eastern Indian Ocean(from Cochin and southern tip of India

to Myanmar, Sumatra, and Java). Remarks: Coastal, pelagic and schooling. Geographical overlap with andsimilarity to Stolephorus insularis casts
doubts on several earlier studies of “insularis”. A very common species, so
probably contributes to catches ofStolephorus. Caught mainly with purse
seine, beach seine and fish traps often
using light; also incidentally with bottom trawls. Marketed fresh, dried,
dried-salted, or made into fish sauce
and fish balls as used as bait.
(S. Ishikawa)Thryssa hamiltoni
Gray, 1835
Hamilton’s Thryssa
D 13–15; A 32–45 (usually 35–37) ;P1 12–13; P2 7; LGR 11–15 (usually
12–14). Body somewhat deep, compressed; abdomen with 15–20 (usually
16–19) prepelvic and 9–12 (usually
10–11) postpelvic keeled scutes, 26–
31 (usually 27–29) in total number; asmall predorsal spine-like scute present. Teeth in jaws small or minute, notcanine-like. Posterior tip of maxilla
pointed, extending to or beyond
slightly posterior border of operculum. Anal fin long, its origin situatedposterior to dorsal-fin base; upper
pectoral-fin ray not extended as a filament. Scales cycloid; longitudinalscale rows 41–46. Color: body silvery
white, grayish brown above, with aThryssa hamiltoni, KAUM–I. 23199, 12.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 8 Sept. 2009

dark blotch of horizontal wavy blacklines on shoulder just posterior to upper part of gill opening; dorsal, pectoral, and pelvic fins yellowish; caudal
fin yellow; anal fin whitish. Size: maximum ca. 20 cm SL. Distribution:

Indo-West Pacific, from Persian Gulf
to northern Australia, north to Taiwan
and Ogasawara Is., Japan. Remarks:
occurring in inshore waters and estuaries. Marketed fresh, dried, driedsalted.
(S. Kimura)35

Thryssa setirostris(Broussonet, 1782)
Longjaw Thryssa
D 12; A 32–39 (usually 35–38); P2 7;
LGR 10–12. Body somewhat deep,
compressed; abdomen with 16–18
prepelvic and 9–10 postpelvic keeledscutes, 25–28 in total number; a small
predorsal spine-like scute present.
Teeth in jaws small or minute, not canine-like. Maxilla very long, reaching
posteriorly at least to tip of pectoral
fins, usually to pelvic-fin base, or evento anal-fin origin. Anal fin long, its
origin at or posterior to verticalthrough end of dorsal-fin base; upper
pectoral-fin ray not extended as a filament. Scales cycloid; longitudinalscale rows 41–46 (usually 41–44).
Color: body silvery white, brownish
dorsally; a diffuse patch of horizontal

Thryssa setirostris, KAUM–I. 23425, 10.4 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009

wavy gray or charcoal lines on shoulder posterior to upper part of gill
opening; dorsal and caudal fins dusky
to deep yellow, borders charcoal; anal
fin deep yellow or white; pectoral andpelvic fins pale yellow. Size: maximum length 18 cm. Distribution: In-

do-West Pacific, from the Gulf ofOman east to Vanuatu, northern Australia north to Taiwan. Remarks:
schooling fish mostly found in closeinshore, entering bays and estuaries.
Marketed fresh, dried, dried-salted.
(M. Matsunuma)

CHIROCENTRIDAE
Wolf Herrings

Medium to large-sized silvery
fishes; maximum size about 1 m SL.
Body elongate and strongly compressed; no pelvic scutes. Two fanglike teeth on upper jaw; a series ofcanine teeth on lower jaw. Eyes relatively small, with eyelids completely
covering eyes. Gill rakers 17–22;
branchiostegal rays 8. No spinous fin
rays; dorsal-fin with 16–19 rays, its
origin just above anal-fin origin, itsbase shorter than anal-fin base; anal
fin with 30–35 rays; caudal fin deeply forked; pelvic fins small, abdominal, with 6–7 rays. Scales small cycloid; lateral line absent. No pyloric
caeca; spiral valve present in intes-

2 fang-like teeth on
upper jaw
lateral line absent

no scutes on belly

tine. Total vertebrae 69–75.
Color: dark bluish green dorsally,
blight silver laterally and ventrally.
Remarks: occurring in coastal
area of Indo-West Pacific, from South
Africa to Japan and Australia. Feeds on
fishes. A single genus, Chirocentrus,
with two species.

Similar families occurring in
the area: Elopidae and Chanidae –no fanglike teeth; lateral line present.
Engraulidae, Pristigasteridae, andClupeidae – no fang-like teeth; scutes
usually present on belly.
(S. Kimura)

Chirocentrus dorab(Forsskål, 1775)
Dorab Wolf-herring
D 16–18; A 29–36; P1 13–16; P2 6;
GR 1–4 + 10–16. Body elongate,strongly compressed, belly sharp; pectoral fin short, 11–13% SL. Mouth
large, directed upward; both jaws withlarge canine teeth anterioly. Scales cycloid, very small. Color: dark bluegreen dorsally, silvery ventrally; black
marking on the upper part of dorsal
fin; caudal fin blackish. Size: maxi-

Chirocentrus dorab, KAUM–I. 33043, 26.0 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 9 Nov. 2010

mum 1 m SL, commonly 30–50 cm
SL. Distribution: widely distributedin Indo-West Pacific from Red Sea
and South Africa to Solomon Is., northto southern Japan. Remarks: occurring in inshore waters. Feeds on small
fishes, crustaceans, squids, etc. Marketed fresh.
(S. Kimura)

36

CLUPEIDAE

Herrings (Sardines)
Small to medium-sized fishes(mostly 10 to 20 cm, some exceeding
50 cm) with silver-colored fusiform
body, compressed or oval in crosssection. Mouth terminal or somewhat
superior except for members of Dolateral line absent
rosomatinae with mouth fully inferior; upper jaw mostly with 2 supramaxillae; jaw articulation always
anterior to vertical below eye; teeth
on jaws mostly absent or minute, branchiostegal rays usually 5–10
8–9 pelvic-fin rays
sometimes with canines. Fins without spines; dorsal fin single, situatednear midpoint of body; anal fin short plants. Small but important food fishes no abdominal scutes; gular plate presless than 28 rays; pectoral fins set used as fresh, dried, or salted ones, ent; numerous branchiostegal rays
low on body; pelvic fins abdominal taken by beach seine and other variety (more than 20). Albulidae – lateralwith 8 or 9 rays; caudal fin deeply of nets. Regionally some species have line present; no abdominal scutes; guforked. Body covered with cycloid great contribution to local catches.
lar plate present. Chirocentridae –scales; a series of scutes along abdoSimilar families occurring in the body highly compressed and elonmen; lateral line absent. Color: typi- area: Clupeidae different from other gate; no abdominal scutes; jaws withcally blue-green dorsally, silvery on similar families in having jaw articula- developed fang-like canine teeth.
flanks; with variable darker markings tion before vertical through eye, mostly Pristigasteridae – pelvic fins insertincluding spot behind gill cover, 2 supramaxillae, pelvic fins inserting ing anterior to vertical through dorsal
spots along flanks, spot at dorsal-fin below short dorsal fin, short anal fin fin origin; anal fin long more than 30
origin, and dark pigmentation on part less than 28 rays, a series of scutes rays. Engraulidae – snout pig-likeof dorsal, pectoral, anal, and caudal along abdomen, and no lateral line. and projecting; jaw articulation well
fins.
Elopidae – lateral line present; no ab- behind eye. Chanidae – lateral line
Remarks: schooling fishes found dominal scutes; gular plate present; nu- present; no abdominal scutes; branin marine coastal areas, mostly feed- merous branchiostegal rays (more than chiostegal rays few (4 or 5).
ing on small planktonic animals and 20). Megalopidae – lateral line present,(S. Kimura)Anodontostoma chacunda(Hamilton, 1822)
Chacunda Gizzard Shad
D 17–19; A 19–20; P1 15–16; P2 8;
LGR 54–96; V 41–43. Body very
deep, almost oval, strongly compressed (40–50% SL in specimens >10 cm SL); belly keeled with scutes(ca. 28). Mouth inferior; upper jaw
with a distinct median notch. Opercle
smooth, without bony striae. Longest
lower gill rakers shorter than corresponding gill filaments. Shoulder girdle (cleithrum) margin without fleshy
outgrowths. Last dorsal-fin ray not filamentous. Scales cycloid with denticulation along posterior margin; a median series of predorsal scales present.
Color: body silvery, darker dorsally;
occiput to nape yellowish or gold; alarge black spot behind gill opening.

Anodontostoma chacunda, KAUM–I. 33086, 10.1 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 13 Nov. 2010

Size: maximum ca. 18 cm SL. Distri- inshore waters and estuaries, feeds on
bution: widely distributed in Indo- zoo- and phytoplanktons. MarketedWest Pacific from the Persian Gulf to fresh, dried, or dried-salted.
New Caledonia. Remarks: found in(S. Kimura)

37

Dussumieria elopsoides
Bleeker, 1849
Slender Rainbow Sardine
D 18–21; A 15–17; P1 14–15; P2 8;
LGR 21–32. Body elongated, cylindrical, slender (16–22% SL); belly
rounded without prepelvic or postpelvic scutes. Premaxillae rectangular;
branchiostegal rays numerous (13–18). Scales cycloid with numerous
tiny radiating striae posteriorly. Color: dark blue-green dorsally, silvery
ventrally, with a narrow lateral band ofsilvery gray and gold extending fromupper operculum to caudal-fin base.
Size: maximum ca. 20 cm SL. Distri-

Dussumieria elopsoides, KAUM–I. 23353, 15.4 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 22 Sept. 2009

bution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks:
pelagic, inshore fish. Feeds on planktonic crustaceans and small fishes.
Marketed fresh, dried, or dried-salted.
(S. Kimura)

Escualosa thoracata(Valenciennes, 1847)
White Sardine
D 16; A 18–19; P1 12–13; P2 7; LGR
27–40. Body somewhat deep (27–37%
SL), compressed; belly strongly
keeled with 17–19 (mostly 18) prepelvic and 10–12 (mostly 11) postpelvic
scutes (28–30, mostly 29, in total).
Upper jaw rounded, without distinct
median notch or cleft; 2 supramaxilla
present. Opercle smooth, withoutbony radiating striae. Shoulder girdle(cleithrum) margin without fleshy outgrowths. Color: body semi-translucent
with broad silvery midlateral stripe;
inner edges of caudal fin broadly darkish. Size: maximum ca. 10 cm SL.

Escualosa thoracata, KAUM–I. 33062, 7.3 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 12 Nov. 2010

Distribution: widely distributed in
Indo-West Pacific from the Persian
Gulf to northeastern Australia, northto Vietnam and Philippines. Remarks:
schooling fish found in coastal, inshore waters.
(S. Kimura)Hilsa kelee(Cuvier, 1829)
Kelee Shad
D 18; A 20–22; P2 8; LGR 100–175.
Body very deep and strongly compressed; abdomen with sharply-keeled
15–17 prepelvic and 12–14 postpelvic
scutes, 27–31 (usually 28–30) in total
number. Mouth terminal; upper jaw
with a distinct median notch. Opercle
smooth, without bony striae. Gill rakers fine and numerous, those on innerarches curled outward; Shoulder girdle(cleithrum) margin without fleshy outgrowths. Frontoparietal striae (on topof head) numerous, 8–14. Last dorsalfin ray not filamentous. Scales cycloid
with denticulation along posterior margin; vertical striae overlapping at center of scale present. Color: body silvery, blue-green dorsally; occiput to

Hilsa kelee, KAUM–I. 47386, 13.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 13 June 2012

nape yellowish or gold; a black spot
behind gill opening. Size: commonly
15–18 cm, maximum 25 cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found in inshore waters andestuaries, feeds on zoo- and phytoplanktons. Marketed fresh, dried, or
dried-salted.
(M. Matsunuma)

38

Sardinella albella(Valenciennes, 1847)
White Sardinella
D 17–19; A 18–19; P1 14–15; P2 8;
LGR 41–68. Body somewhat compressed, but variable from slender tomoderately deep (body depth 25–40%SL); abdomen keeled with prepelvic
and postpelvic scutes; total number ofscutes 29–33 (usually 30–32); pelvic
scute with ascending arms. Second supramaxilla symmetrical and paddleshaped; opercle smooth without radiating bony striae; posterior border ofgill opening with 2 fleshy outgrowths.
Anal fin short with 2 posteriormost
rays enlarged. Scales cycloid; verticalstriae discontinuous, not meeting at
center; posterior part with a few perforations and somewhat produced posteriorly; longitudinal scale rows usually
41–43. Color: body silvery, bluegreen dorsally; a dark spot at dorsal-

Saradinella albella, KAUM–I. 23114, 11.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 Sept. 2009

fin origin; dorsal fin pale yellow; tipsof dorsal and caudal fins blackish.
Size: commonly 10 cm, maximum 14
cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: schooling fish foundin reef-associated coastal waters. Marketed fresh, dried, dried-salted.
(M. Matsunuma)

Sardinella gibbosa(Bleeker, 1849)
Goldstripe Sardinella
D 17–20; A 17–21; P1 14–17; P2 8;
LGR 45–60. Body moderately slender(body depth 25–40% SL); abdomen
keeled with prepelvic and postpelvic
scutes; total number of scutes 32–34;
pelvic scute with ascending arms. Second supramaxilla symmetrical andpaddle-shaped; opercle smooth without radiating bony striae; posteriorborder of gill opening with 2 fleshy
outgrowths. Anal fin short with 2 posteriormost rays enlarged. Scales cycloid; vertical striae discontinuous,
not meeting at center; posterior partwith numerous small perforations;longitudinal scale rows 43–47. Color:body silvery, blue-green dorsally, witha thin golden midlateral line; a dark
spot at dorsal-fin origin; margins of
dorsal and caudal fins blackish. Size:

Saradinella gibbosa, KAUM–I. 22991, 8.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Sept. 2009

commonly 15 cm, maximum 17 cm
SL. Distribution: widely distributedin Indo-West Pacific from East African coasts to eastern Australia, northto Taiwan. Remarks: schooling fish
found in coastal waters. Marketed
fresh, dried, dried-salted, boiled.
(M. Matsunuma)

39

Tenualosa toli
(Valenciennes, 1847)
Toli Shad
A 18–20; P2 8 (1 unbranched with 7
branched fin rays); LGR numerous(60–100). Body moderately deep,
compressed, a moderately large herring-like fish; abdomen with 28–30(17 or 18 prepelvic and 11–13 postplevic) fairly sharply-keeled scutes;
pelvic scute with ascending arms.
Mouth terminal; upper jaw with distinct median notch. Two supramaxillae present and well developed. Maxilla reaching to a point between
verticals through center and posterior
margin of eye. No fleshy outgrowths
on posterior margin of gill opening.
Opercle smooth without bony striae.
Inner arches of gill raker more of lessstraight, not curled outward. Dorsalfin origin distinctly anterior to midpoint of body; last dorsal-fin ray notelongated. Anal-fin short, situatedwell posterior to vertical through dorsal-fin base; 2 posteriormost anal-fin
rays not enlarged. Pelvic-fn insertion
at vertical through bases of middle
dorsal-fin rays. Caudal fin relatively
short, 31 to 34% of standard length;

Tenualosa toli, KAUM–I. 32998, 14.1 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Nov. 2010

deeply-forked but upper and lower
lobes not attenuated. Scales moderate,
37–42 in lateral series, without perforations posteriorly. Color: blue-green
on back, silvery on flanks; at most, adiffuse dark mark behind gill opening,
but no other spots on flank. Size: Maximum standard length 50 cm, commonly, between 30–40 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific from eastern
and western coasts (also river) of India, Andaman Sea, Indonesia to Java
Sea, Gulf of Thailand, and South China Sea. Remarks: Marine, coastal pe-

lagic, schooling, and freshwater for
breeding, but younger fish breed intidal zone of rivers. More data needed.
Biology similar to that of Tenualosa
ilisha, so, especially at juvenile stages,
not always distinguished from T. ilisha catches. Caught mainly with fishtraps, fishing weirs, drifted or fixed
gill nets in estuaries and river during
the upstream spawning migration.
Seine nets and bag nets clasp nets andcast nets are also used. Marketed
fresh, dried, dried-salted, boiled or
made into fish balls.
(S. Ishikawa)

40

CHANIDAE
MilkfishThis family represented by a single
species; see the following species account.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Megalopidae – a bony gularplate present between arms of lower
jaw; last dorsal-fin ray filamentous;
scales large, 30–40 in lateral line.
Elopidae – mouth much larger; abony gular plate present between
arms of lower jaw. Mugilidae – 2
dorsal fins; pectoral fins set high on
body; no lateral line. Clupeidae – size
much smaller; usually 6 or 7 bran-mouth terminal
no teeth on jaws
lateral line present
4 branchiostegal rays

chiostegal rays (only 4 in Chanos); toral fins in 2 parts, lower part withno lateral line; scutes usually pres- long unattached rays.
(M. Matsunuma)
ent along belly. Polynemida – mouthlarge, subterminal; 2 dorsal fins; pec-

Chanos chanos(Forsskål, 1775)
Milkfish
D 13–17; A 9–11; P2 9–11; LL 75–91;
GR 147–160 + 107–165. Body elongate, moderately compressed; no scutes
along velly. Eye covered by adipose tissue. Mouth small, terminal, without
teeth; lower jaw with small tubercle attip, fitting into a notch in upper jaw; nobony gular plate between arms of lower
jaw. Branchiostegal rays 4. Dorsal situated on about midpoint of body; anal
fin short, close to caudal fin; caudal finlarge and deeply forked, with scale
flaps at base in adults; pectoral and pelvic fins with axillary scales. Scales
small and smooth. Color: silver laterally and ventrally, olive-green or blue
dorsally; dorsal, anal, and caudal finswith dark margin. Size: commonly
70–100 cm SL, maximum 1.5 m SL.
Distribution: widely distributed intropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific.
Remarks: occurring marine and brackish. Important food fish; marketed
fresh, dried, canned, and smoked.
(M. Matsunuma)

Chanos chanos, KAUM–I. 33027, 10.1 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 11 Nov. 2010

41

PLOTOSIDAE

Eeltail Catfishes (Eel Catfishes)
Small to medium-sized (commonly less than 40 cm, some up to
100 cm) catfishes. Body elongate, tapering posteriorly; without scales orbony plates. Lateral line complete,running along middle of body and extending nearly to caudal-fin base. A
dendritic organ, located along ventral
midline of body just anterior to analfin origin and posterior to anus, foundin all marine, and some fresh-water
species. Mouth surrounded with barbels in 4 pairs; 1 pair between widely
separated anterior and posterior nostrils; 1 pair at corner of mouth and 2
pairs on lower jaw. Teeth present onjaws, except on upper jaw of some
fresh-water species. Palate with teeth,
often molariform; molariform teeth
sometimes found in lower jaw. Dorsal
and pectoral fins located just posteriorof head, each with a pungent serrated
spine at leading edge; fin spines venomous and capable of producing painful sting; anal fin long and continuouswith rounded or pointed caudal fin;dorsal series of procurrent caudal-fin

second dorsal, caudal and anal fins confluent

no scales

4 pairs of berbels

rays consists of elongate rays which, inmarine species, extend the fin anteriorly to at least vertical line at anal-fin origin, thus forming a second dorsal finthat is continuous with caudal fin; dorsal adipose fin absent.
Color: body tan, brown, or black;lighter ventrally; sometimes with light
stripes along side of body, extending
onto head.
Remarks: found in fresh, brackish, and marine waters of tropical andsubtropical regions of the Indo-Pacific; freshwater species restricted toAustralia and New Guinea. Venomous, but marketed mostly fresh and locally may be important.

Similar families occurring in
the area: Plotosidae different fromall other catfish families in having adendritic organ (marine species), andcaudal fin confluent with dorsal procurrent caudal, and anal fins. Ariidae– caudal fin forked; adipose fin present; anal fin short and not confluent
with caudal fin; nasal barbel absent.
Other freshwater catfish families(Siluridae, Clariidae and Heteropneustidae) – dorsal and pectoral finswith no pungent serrated spine at anterior edge; anal fin not confluent
with caudal fin.
(M. Matsunuma)

Plotosus canius
Hamilton, 1822
Gray Eel Catfish
D I, 4–5; DPC 130–140; A 106–118.
Body somewhat elongate, body depth
more than 15% SL. Anterior nostril
situated dorsal to upper lip, opening
directed anteriorly. Gill membranes
narrowly attached across isthmus. Nasal and maxillary barbels long, reaching at least to pectoral-fin base. Originof dorsal procurrent caudal fin inserting vertical posterior to pelvic fin
base. Color: head and body uniformly
dark brown except for paler abdomen.
Size: maximum length ca. 1.5 m. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific fromwestern coast of India to New Guinea

Plotosus canius, KAUM–I. 24008, 17.7 cm SL
Bang Saen, 1 Oct. 2009

and northern Australia, north to central Phillipines. Remarks: found inestuaries and lagoons, usually entering
to rivers. Juveniles forming dense
schools. Feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, and fishes. Marketed fresh.
(S. Kimura)

42

Plotosus lineatus(Thunberg, 1787)
Striped Eel Catfish
D I, 4; DPC 89–111; A 68–80; P1 I,
10–12; P2 10–13; GR 6–8 + 20–23 =27–31. Body somewhat elongate;
body depth more than 15% SL; anterior nostril situated dorsal to upper lip,
opening directed anteriorly; gill membranes narrowly attached across isthmus; nasal and maxillary barbels
short, reaching to or slightly beyond
posterior margin of eye; origin of dorsal procurrent caudal fin inserting vertical above pelvic-fin base. Color:head and body dark brown, whitish
ventrally; 2 or 3narrow pale-yellow
longitudinal stripes on body, of which
2 extending onto head; barbels darkbrown; dendritic organ yellowish
brown. Size: commonly 20 cm, maximum 30 cm. Distribution: widelydistributed in the Indo-West Pacific,
from the Red Sea and east coast of Africa to Samoa, northern Australia
north to southern Japan. Remarks:

Plotosus lineatus, KAUM–I. 32996, 25.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Nov. 2010

found in coastal waters, often entering
estuaries. Juveniles forming denseballshaped schools, adults solitary or
occurring in small schools. Each serrate spine of dorsal and pectoral finsvenomous and highly dangerous.
(M. Matsunuma)

43

ARIIDAE

Sea Catfishes
Medium to large sized marine andfreshwater catfishes; maximum size
about 1.8 m. Body elongated, robust;head depressed but tail compressed.
Bony shield dorsally on head usuallyvisible, with a dorsomedian grove,extending posteriorly to nuchal bone;snout pointed or rounded anterior
and posterior nostrils close together;mouth terminal or inferior; one, two,or three pairs of barbells present
around the mouth, no nasal barbells;
jaw teeth small, arranged into narrowor broad bands; palatal teeth on smallor large patches; gill membranes
joined together and attached isthmus
anteriorly; branchiostegal rays 5–7.
Dorsal fin with a long, robust, usuallyserrated spine followed by 7 branched
rays; a very small spinelet or buckler present prior to dorsal spine; anal
fin with 14–36 soft rays; caudal fin
deeply forked with 15 (7 + 8) principal
rays; pectoral fins low on the sides ofbody with a usually long and serrated
spine and 7–13 branched rays; pelvic
fins abdominal with 6 branched rays;
adipose fin present just above analfin. Body naked; lateral line well developed.

dorsal-fin spine
usually serrated

adipose fin just above anal fin

no scales

1–3 pairs of berbels

caudal fin
deeply forked
short anal-fin base

Color: body dark, brownish dorsally, silvery ventrally; adipose finwith a black spots in some species.
Remarks: occurring in tropicalto temperate marine, estuarine, andfreshwater areas of the world, usuallyfound in coastal and estuarine habitats,abundant in mangrove areas and large
river estuaries. Omnivorous, usually
feed on crustaceans, mollusks, andfishes. Males incubating the fertilized
eggs in his mouth cavity. Food fish.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Ariidae is distinguished fromother Indo-Pacific catfish families inhaving a long, usually serrated dorsal
fin spine, deeply forked caudal fin,short-based anal fin, adipose fin justabove anal fin, naked body, and nonasal barbells. Plotosidae – caudal
fin confluent with long-based anal
fin; no adipose fin; nasal barbells
present. Bagridae (freshwater) – nasal barbells present. Siluridae andClariidae (both freshwater) – nasal
barbells present; no dorsal fin spine;
long-based anal fin. Pangasidae(freshwater) – long-based anal fin.
(S. Kimura)

Arius maculatus(Thunberg, 1792)
Spotted Catfish
D I, 7; A 19–23; P1 I, 9–10; P2 6; GR
5–7 + 11–14; free vertebrae 41–44.
Body elongated, compressed; head depressed; head shield and supraoccipital process weakly striated and granulated; dorsomedian head groove
narrower and deeper posteriorly; snout
rounded; palatal teeth small conicalwith blunt tip or molariform, on a single pair of oval patches, located wellposterior to upper oral valve; inner gillrakers present on all gill arches; lateralline bifurcates behind caudal fin base.
Color: body silvery, brownish green
dorsally; all fins somewhat brownish;

Arius maculatus, KAUM–I. 23388, 14.5 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 22 Sept. 2009

adipose fin pale with a prominent dark Thailand and Malaysia, Borneo, Sumarking. Size: maximum length 50 matra, and Java. Remarks: inhabits
cm. Distribution: Vietnam, Gulf of coastal waters and estuaries.
Thailand, Pacific coasts of Peninsular(S. Kimura)

44

Arius oetik
Bleeker, 1846
Lowly Catfish
D I, 6–7; A 15–19; P1 I, 10–11; P2 6;
GR 4–6 + 9–12. Body elongated, compressed. Head depressed; head shieldsmooth anteriorly, somewhat granulated posteriorly; dorsomedian groove
short, not reaching anteriorly to levelof posterior margin of eye. Snoutprominent. Palatal teeth short, conical,
tips blunt or sharp, on a single pair ofsmall triangular patches, located justposterior to upper oral valve. Inner gillrakes present on all gill arches. Lateralline bifurcates behind caudal fin base.
Color: body silvery; brownish dorsally; all fins somewhat dusky; adipose
fin pale without dark marking. Size:maximum length 23 cm SL. Distribution: Andaman Sea, Gulf of Thailand
through Malay Peninsula and Sumatra
to Java and Kalimantan. Remarks: inhabits coastal waters and estuaries.
(S. Kimura)

Cryptarius truncatus(Valenciennes, 1840)
Spoonsnouted Catfish

Arius oetik, KAUM–I. 32756, 15.3 cm SL
Ang Sila, 23 Oct. 2010

Cryptarius truncatus, KAUM–I. 23935, 23.3 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 30 Sept. 2009

D I, 6–7; A 20–25; GR 8–9. Body
elongated, compressed. Head strongly
depressed; head shield smooth anteriorly, rugose to granular posteriorly;
head venulose laterally. Snout truncate
or obtuse. Palatal teeth short and conical in small oval, widely-separated
patches, one on each side of palate.
Three pairs of barbels. Gill opening
restricted, closed across isthmus fromjust below pectoral-fin base, althoughmargin of gill cover free. Color: bodygreenish yellow or bluish above,
creamy yellow below; dorsal and cauHexanematichthys sagor, KAUM–I. 33059, 19.3 cm SL
dal fins with dark margins, adipose fin
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 11 Nov. 2010
pale. Size: maximum length about 42
cm. Distribution: Thailand, Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan),and Malaysia. Remarks: inhabits escompressed; head broad, depressed; longer than dorsal-fin spine. Color:tuaries and lower reaches of rivers.
(S. Kimura) head shield striated; supraoccipital body silvery, blue-brownish dorsally;
hemispherical in adults, its apex con- several golden green vertical stripes
vex; dorsomedian head groove short; on body; adipose fin pale. Size: maxiHexanematichthys sagor
palatal teeth conical, tips sharp, on 2 mum length 45 cm SL. Distribution:(Hamilton, 1822)
pairs of patches; inner patches smaller Indo-West Pacific, from Pakistan to
Sagor Sea Catfish
than outer; barbells flattened, strap- Borneo and Java. Remarks: inhabits
D I, 7; A 16–19; P1 I, 11; P2 6; GR like; inner gill rakers absent on the an- coastal waters and estuaries.
(S. Kimura)
12–18; V 53–55. Body elongated, terior 2 gill arches; pectoral-fin spine

45

Ketengus typus
Bleeker, 1847
Largemouthed Catfish
D I, 5–6; A 19–21; P1 I, 7–8; GR 15;
V 47–49. Body elongated, compressed
posteriorly. Snout rounded; headshield striate and moderately granular.
Mouth inferior, its opening wide, extending behind eye. Single series ofincisor-like, compressed teeth in each
jaw; teeth blunt or with a central tip;no teeth on palate. Three pairs of very
short barbels, equal to or shorter thaneye diameter. Gill rakers present onhind aspect of all gill arches. Color:body dark greenish brown above, silvery white below. Size: maximum
length about 24 cm. Distribution:
Andaman Islands, Malay Peninsula,
Thailand, and Indonesia (Sumatra,
Java, Madura, and Kalimantan). Remarks: inhabits coastal areas, estuaries and lower reaches of rivers. The
genus monotypic.
(S. Kimura)

Ketengus typus, KAUM–I. 32924, 6.9 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 30 Oct. 2010

Osteogeneiosus militaris(Linnaeus, 1758)
Soldier Catfish

Osteogeneiosus militaris, KAUM–I. 33184, 10.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Nov. 2010

D I, 6; A 19–22; P1 I, 9–10; GR 10–
11; V 51–53. Body elongated, compressed posteriorly. Head strongly depressed; head shield covered withsmooth skin. Snout truncate. Mouth
inferior. Single band of fine teeth injaws; palatal teeth conical with blunt
tips, grouped into 2 large longitudinal,
semi-oval or elliptical patches, oneeach side nearer palate margins, inner
margin of patches concave. A single
pair of barbels long and stiff, extending to or beyond pectoral-fin base.
Color: body metallic dark blue above,
silvery white below; dorsal-fin margin
and adipose fin blackish. Size: maxiPlicofollis argyropleuron, KAUM–I. 32927, 9.5 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 30 Oct. 2010
mum length 31 cm SL. Distribution:from India to Malay Peninsula, Thailand, and Indonesia (Sumatra, Java,and Kalimantan). Remarks: inhabits
coastal areas, estuaries and lower compressed posteriorly. Head de- Three pairs of barbels. No gill rakers
reaches of rivers. The genus mono- pressed, elongated; head shield striate on hind aspect of first 2 gill arches.
typic.
(S. Kimura) or sharply granular; supraoccipital Color: body metallic dark gray above,process narrow, keeled. Snout trun- silvery white below. Size: maximum
cate. Mouth small, subterminal or length 50 cm FL. Distribution: from
Plicofollis argyropleuron
somewhat inferior. Granular teeth in 2 east coast of India to eastern Australia,(Valenciennes, 1840)
patches on each side of palate, longitu- Thailand, and Indonesia. Remarks:
Longsnouted Catfish
dinally arranged, posterior patches inhabits coastal areas and estuaries.
D I, 6; A 14–21; P1 I, 10–12; GR oblong-ovate, parallel or with long
(S. Kimura)
10–16; V 48–51. Body elongated, axes slightly converging distally.

46

BAGRIDAE

Bagrid Catfishes
Medium to large size fresh water
catfishes; maximum size about 1.5 m.
Body elongated. Dorsal fin II spines
adipose fin present
with 6–7 soft rays. Adipose fin present. Pectoral-fin spine serrated. Fourpairs of barbels present around theno scales
mouth and nasal. Body naked; lateralline complete. Caudal fin forked.
Color: body tan, brown, or black.
Remarks: occcurring in fresh
4 pairs of berbels
water, and sometimes estuarine area.
caudal fin
Some species often treated as aquardeeply forked
ium fish.
Similar families occurring in confluent with long-based anal fin; no ter) – no dorsal-fin spine; long-based
the area: Ariidae – no nasal bar- adipose fin; lateral line incomplete. anal fin.
(T. Yoshida)bels present. Plotosidae – caudal fin Siluridae and Clariidae (both freshwa-

Mystus velifer
Ng, 2012
D II, 7; A 12–14; P1 8; P2 6; GR 22–
29. Body elongated, compressed.
Head shield covered with skin. Snoutsomewhat rounded. Mouth subterminal; oral teeth small and viliform, in
irregular rows on all tooth-bearing
surfaces. Four pairs of barbels; maxillary barbel long and slender, extending beyond caudal-fin base. Lateralline complete. Caudal fin deeply
forked; adipose-fin base subequal toanal-fin base in lengh. Color: bodygreenish yellow above, pale below;
maxillary barbel dasky. Size: maximum length 13.6 cm SL. Distribution: from lower Mekong River drainage (upstream to the Tonlé Sap)
westwards and southwards to Songkhla Lake in Peninsula Thailand. Remarks: the species having been confused with Mystus wolffii (Bleeker,
1851). Inhabits lower reaches of rivers
and estuaries.
(S. Kimura)
Mystus velifer, KAUM–I. 32749, 5.8 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 23 Oct. 2010

47

SYNODONTIDAE
Lizardfishes

Small to medium-sized marine
fishes; maximum size about 70 cm,
commonly 20–40 cm. Body slender,
cylindrical, and moderately elongated. Mouth large; hind tip of upper
jaw extending well beyond hind margin of eye; a single supramaxilla
small or absent; numerous needlelike teeth on jaws and palatines;
branchiostegal rays 12–18. No spinous fin rays; dorsal fin located about
midpoint of body, 9–15 rays; anal fin
posterior to dorsal fin base, 8–17
rays; caudal fin forked, 19 principal
rays; pelvic fins close together, 8–9
rays; adipose fin present above analfin. Cycloid scales present at least on
the posterior half of body and along
lateral line. Color: body usually

9–15 dorsal-fin rays
mouth large

numerous needle-liketeeth on jaws andpalatines

brown or reddish with variable markings. Peritoneum either pale with several black spots, or black.
Remarks: occurring in tropical totemperate marine and estuarine areas,usually found on rocky, coral, sandy,or muddy bottoms in shallow waters.
Feed on small fishes and crustaceans.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Aulopidae – two supramaxillae

adipose fin present

8–17 anal-fin rayspresent; hind tip of upper jaw not orslightly extending beyond hind marginof eye. Bathysauridae – head depressed
conspicuously; branchiostegal rays
8–13; adipose fin present or absent;
pelvic fin rays 8. Chlorophthalmidae– a single elongate supramaxilla
present; hind tip of upper jaw not extending beyond center of eye.
(S. Kimura)

Saurida tumbil, KAUM–I. 33018, 13.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Nov. 2010

Saurida tumbil(Bloch, 1795)
Greater Lizardfish
D 11–13; A 10–11; P1 13–16; P2 9;
LL 59–65; PDS 16–19; V 56–61.
Body subcylindrical, elongate. Headand caudal peduncle somewhat depressed; mouth large; numerous small
teeth exposed on side of jaws whenmouth closed; palatine teeth arranged
in two bands on each side of roof ofmouth; palatine teeth on the outerbands in 3 or 4 rows anteriorly. Outermost ray of pelvic fin subequal to innermost ray. Pectoral fin short, its posterior tip not or only just reaching toinsertion of pelvic fin. Color: bodylight brown dorsally, silvery whiteventrally; pectoral fin and lower lobeof caudal fin dusky; upper margin of
caudal fin without any marking; adi-pose fin with a black marking. Size:maximum length about 25 cm SL.
Distribution: widely distributed in
the Indo-West Pacific from east coastof Africa, Red Sea to eastern Australia. Remarks: found in shallow coastal sandy or muddy bottoms. Feeds on
fishes, crustaceans, and squids. Marketed fresh.
(S. Kimura)

48

Synodus tectus, KAUM–I. 23296, 12.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 10 Sept. 2009

Synodus tectus(Cressey, 1981)
Tectus Lizardfish
D 13–14; A 9–10; P1 12–13; P2 8; PLS
55–57; PDS 13–15; V 54–56. Body fusiform, elongate, caudal peduncle
slightly compressed. Head somewhat
depressed; mouth large; anteriormost
palatine teeth longer than more posterior teeth. Outermost ray of pelvic fin
distinctly shorter than innermost ray;anal fin base shorter than dorsal fin

Trachinocephalus myops(Forster, 1801)base; pectoral fin short, its posterior tip
not reaching a line between origins ofpelvic and dorsal fins. Color: bodylight brown dorsally, silvery white ventrally; with about 8 brown saddle-likepatches extending laterally, forming
diamond-shaped patches at level of thelateral line; a black spot on upper edgeof opercle, divided dorsally into 3 or 4

separate finger-like branches; 9–11
peritoneal spots. Size: maximum
length 17 cm SL. Distribution: West
Pacific from northern Australia to Taiwan. Remarks: found in shallow
coastal sandy or muddy bottoms.
(M. Matsunuma)

Trachinocephalus myops, KAUM–I. 32810, 12.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Oct. 2010

Bluntnose Lizardfish
D 11–14; A 13–18; P1 11–13; P2 8;
LL 51–61; V 54–55. Body fusiform,
elongate; snout very short; mouthlarge; palatine with a row of teeth.
Outermost ray of pelvic fin distinctly
shorter than innermost ray; anal finbase longer than dorsal fin base; pectoral fin short. Color: body with alter-

nating narrow dark-edged pale blue
and yellow stripes; a large black spot
at upper end of gill opening; about 5
yellow stripe on dorsal fin; adipose
and anal fins with yellow margin; pelvic fin with a yellow stripe basally;
caudal fin yellow. Size: maximum
length about 25 cm SL. Distribution:

circumglobal in tropical and subtropical seas except for Eastern Pacific.
Remarks: found in shallows to 400 m
on sandy bottom.
(M. Matsunuma)

49

BREGMACEROTIDAE
Codlets

Small sized (up to 12 cm SL).
Body moderately elongate. Two dorsal fin well separated; 1st dorsal fin
with 1 elongate soft ray, second dorsal fin with large notch in the middle.
Dorsal and anal fins long. Pelvic fin
5 rays, outer three rays are very long
filaments. No chin barbel. Swim
bladder not in contact with auditory
capsules.
Color: head and body silvery,
darkened dorsally.
Remarks: chiefly inhabit ma-a single long raylarge notchcaudal fin present

large notchrine, but also found in brackish water column.
Similar families occurring in thearea in some species. Pelagic in coast(T. Yoshida)al and oceanic waters, mostly restrict- area: none.
ed to the upper 300 m of the water

Bregmaceros pseudolanceolatus
Torii, Javonillo & Ozawa, 2004
False lance codlet
D 1 + 58–64; A 58–67; P1 18–22; P2
5; LL 68–77. Body moderately elongate. Head relatively short; eye large.
Snout rounded. First dorsal-fin rayelongate. Second dorsal and anal finswith large notch in the middle. Originof dorsal fin above origin of anal fin.
Dorsal- and anal-fin bases long. Pelvic
fin 5 rays, outer three rays produced
into very long filaments. Color: headand dorsal half of trunk black; opercle
and lower half of trunk silver, most ofpectoral fin black: anterior and posterior lobes of second dorsal and anal
fins black. Size: maximum length 10
cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, including Taiwan, East China
Sea, Gulf of Thailand, Timor Sea, Arafura Sea, and Bay of Bengal. Remarks: occurs in coastal water.
(T. Yoshida)

Bregmaceros pseudolanceolatus, KAUM–I. 33169, 7.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Nov. 2010

50

CARAPIDAE
Pearlfishes

Small to medium-sized fishes,
rarely reaching 50 cm TL. Body elongate and compressed or subcylindrical. Eye diameter subequal to snout
length in adults. Supramaxilla absent.
Mouth terminal, often with strong
teeth. No spines on opercle. Scapulaand coracoid fused; upper distal radialof pectoral fins enlarged; hyomandibula with large foramen. Dorsal andanal fins long, connected to caudal
fin; dorsal fin rays shorter than opposing anal fin rays; highly modified firstdorsal fin ray in larvae. Pelvic fin witha soft ray, or without ray. Scales absent. Anus located below pectoral
fins. Color: semitransparent tobrownish.
Remarks: occurs in shallow tomoderately deep waters. Usually pe-

dorsal fin long, connected to caudal finmouth terminal
no scales

anal fin long, connected to caudal fin
anus below pectoral finslagic in larvae and benthic in adults;
free-living adults in some species;
commensals in body cavity of invertebrates, primarily holothurians (sea cucumbers), in most species when adults.
A bycatch in some sea cucumber fish-eries, but no importance to fisheries.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Ophidiidae – body scales
present; anus located behind posterior tip of pectoral fin. (H. Motomura)

Encheliophis homei(Richardson, 1846)
Silver Pearlfish
P1 17–21; P2 0; V 116–128; Body
elongate, compressed; head depth
slightly greater than body depth.
Mouth moderate; maxilla free fromcheek, movable; villiform teeth onjaws, without fangs. Dorsal fin origin
posterior to anal fin origin; pectoral
fin relatively long, its length subequal
to upper jaw length. Anus located anterior to vertical through at pectoral
fin base. Swimbladder without ridges
an intrinsic constriction. Color: bodytranslucent; cheek and abdomen silvery; side of jaws with some blackish
pigment. Size: maximum length 19
cm. Distribution: widely distributedin the Indo-Pacific, from Madagascar
east to Society Islands, and northern
Australia north to southern Japan. Remarks: commensal in sea cucumbers.
(M. Matsunuma)

Encheliophis homei, KAUM–I. 47676, 10.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 July 2012

51

OPHIDIIDAE
Cusk Eels

Median to large-sized marine
fishes, reaching 200 cm. Body moderately elongate. Anterior nostril
placed midway between upper lip
and posterior nostril. Teeth usuallysmall, densely distributed, and blunttipped. Supramaxilla present. Very
seldom less than 7 long gill rakers on
anterior gill arch. A well developed
spine on opercle usually present.
Dorsal and anal fins long, joined tocaudal fin. Dorsal fin rays normallylonger than opposing anal fin rays.
Pelvic fin rays 0–2. Scales present;
lateral line present or absent. Anusplaced posterior to pectoral fins except in species with prolonged pectoral fins.
Color: very variable, some withhorizontal or vertical bars and eyespots.
Remarks: most of species occurs pelagically at great depths; thespine on opercle

pelvic fin rays 0–2

anus usually posterior to pectoral finsfew shallow water species are cryptic.
Usually no commercial importance.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Carapidae – scales absent; analfin rays longer than opposing dorsal-finrays; anus placed below pectoral fins.
Bythitidae – anterior nostril placed immediately above upper lip; very seldom

more than 7 long gill rakers on anterior gill arch. Macrouridae – pelvic
fins well separated from each other,with more than 2 rays. Gadidae andMoridae – pelvic fins well separated
from each other; dorsal and anal fins
not joined to caudal fin.
(M. Matsunuma)

Sirembo jerdoni(Day, 1888)
Brownbanded Cuskeel
D 89–95; A 64–68; P1 22–24; P2 1.
Body relatively elongate, compressed,
but not attenuate; snout bluntly rounded; eyes well developed. Dorsal andanal fins long, joined to caudal fin;pelvic fins closed to each other, located below level of posterior margin ofeye. No spines on preopercle; spine on
opercle short, not reaching posterior
margin of opercle. Scale cycloid. Color: body silvery white, with 3–4
broad, oblique bands on head and anterior body, connecting over the predorsal and head to the other side; several brown blotch on dorsal and caudal
fins; anal fin with a brown stripe basally, blackish marginally. Size: commonly 10 cm SL. Distribution: IndoWest Pacific, including the Red Sea,
Bay of Bengal,Western Australia, Gulf

Sirembo jordani, KAUM–I. 33231, 13.5 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010of Thailand, Philippines, and Southand East China Sea. Remarks: foundin moderate to deep waters at depths of(M. Matsunuma)
57–99 m.

52

BATRACHOIDIDAE
Toadfishes

Small to medium-sized fishes.
Head broad in dorsal view and depressed, often with barbels and fleshytentacles around jaws. Mouth large,
terminal, and slightly protrusible.
Opercle and subopercle with spines.
Glandular tissue present in opercle
and pectoral fin axil. Gill opening
small, restricted to sides of body. Dorsal fin with II or III spines and 15–25
soft rays; soft rays longer than analfin soft rays. Anal fin with 12–28 soft
rays. Pelvic fin with I spine and 1–3
soft rays. Caudal fin rounded. Pectoral
fin large, broadbased, and rounded.
Body with scales or naked; lateral line
single or multiple. Color: body color
variable; usually brownish dorsallyand posteriorly, often with spots, sad-II or III dorsal-fin spines

15–25 dorsal-fin rays

gill opening
small

12–28 anal-fin rays
1–3 pelvic fin rays

dles, bars or other markings.
Remarks: Occurs from littoral areas to deep waters, often in estuaries; insediment or in crevices.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Uranoscopidae – gill opening

wide, free from isthmus. Pelvic finswith I spine and 5 soft rays. Lophiidae – first dorsal-fin spine modified
into an angling apparatus.
(H. Motomura)

Allenbatrachus grunniens(Linnaeus, 1758)
Grunting Toadfish
D III, 18–22; A 16–17; P1 20–22.
Body elongate, slightly compressedposteriorly. Tentacles on anterior partof orbit and posterior end of maxilla
simple, pointed distally. Eyes oriented
laterally; eye diameter less than snout
length and interorbital width. Lower
jaw terminal, projecting beyond upper
jaw. Pointed teeth on jaws, vomer andpalatines. Gill slit extending from upper three-fourths to four-fifths of pectoral-fin base. No pore at pectoralfin axil.
Color: body and fins grayish tobrownish or blackish, mottled withpale or dark irregular blotches. Size:maximum length 19.1 cm SL. Distribution: known from estuarine areasof the Ganges River east to the Philippines and eastern Indonesia, including
the Gulf of Thailand. Remarks: occurs in coastal waters and estuaries
over sandy and muddy bottoms.
(H. Motomura)

Allenbatrachus grunniens, KAUM–I. 33203, 8.6 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 26 Nov. 2010

53

Allenbatrachus reticulatus(Steindachner, 1870)
D III, 18–20; A 16–17; P1 20–22.
Body elongate, slightly compressed
posteriorly. Head large, broad and depressed. Teeth on jaws, vomer, andpalatines all blunt and rounded. Anterior orbital cirrus with 4 or morerounded tips. Lower jaw terminal, projecting beyond upper. Eye diameter
less than snout length and interorbital
width. Pore absent in inner side of upper portion of pectoral-fin base (axil).
Gill slit restricted from one half tofour fifths of pectoral-fin base. Color:body including head dark brown,crossed by four irregular dark blotches. all fins banded by dark brownbands with yellowish color between
bars. Size: attains at least about 15 cm
SL. Distribution: known from marine
and estuarine areas around Singapore,
Sumatra, Myanmar and the Gulf ofThailand. Remarks: usually found inshallow coastal areas including estuaries.
(P. Musikasinthorn)

Allenbatrachus reticulatus, KAUM–I. 23454, 14.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009

Batrachomoeus trispinosus(Günther, 1861)
Three-spined Frogfish
D III, 21–24; A 17–20; P1 21–23.
Body elongate, slightly compressed
posteriorly. Head large (length 0.9–1.0
in length of anal fin base), broad anddepressed. Strong conical teeth on
mandible and palate, mostly in one series. Pore present in inner side of upper portion of pectoral-fin base (axil).
Gill slit covering more than four fifthsof pectoral-fin base. Color: body including head pale brown with irregular dark brown blotches and transversebars on body. Pectoral, pelvic and caudal fins with series of dark transversebars with yellowish orange between
bars. Size: attains at least about 26 cm
SL. Distribution: known from marine
and estuarine areas from northern
Australia, New Guinea and The IndoAustralian Archipelago to the Gulf ofThailand. Remarks: usually found inshallow coastal areas including estuaries.
(P. Musikasinthorn)

Batrachomoeus trispinosus, KAUM–I. 23320, 17.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 10 Sept. 2009

54

ANTENNARIIDAE
Frogfishes

Small to moderate fishes, largest
species attaining to over 50 cm; most
species less than 20 cm. Body short,
deep, globose, slightly compressed.
Mouth large, strongly oblique to vertical; villiform teeth on jaws andpalatines. Gill opening, below or behind pectoral-fin base, with a small
pore. Dorsal fin with III spines and
10–16 soft rays; spinous portion of
fin widely separated from soft-rayed
portion; first spine free from rest offin, nearly always with a well-developed terminal bait (esca); second andthird spines covered by thick skin.
Anal fin with 6–10 soft rays. Caudal
fin rounded. Pectoral fin with 6–14
rays, elongate, leg-like. Pelvic fin
with I spine and 5 soft rays. Body
covered with loose skin, naked orwith denticles.
Color: extremely variable, often
closely matching that of surroundings; changing color within a few

dorsal fin III, 10–16

esca

mouth large, strongly
oblique to vertical

6–14 pectoral-fin rays

6–10 anal-fin rays
pelvic fin I, 5

weeks in some species.
Remarks: most species inhabiting
on bottom in shallow waters; one species pelagic, clinging in floating algae.
Feeds on fishes, sometimes large fishes longer than themselves; also cannibalistic. Released eggs embedded in asingle, large, buoyant gelatinous
mass; floating on water surface.
Similar families occurring in thearea: families with an esca not occurin shore waters in the area.
(H. Motomura)

Antennarius hispidus(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Shaggy Angler
D I + I + I, 11–13; A 7; P1; 10–11; P2;
I, 5; C 9. Body globose, compressed.
Gill opening below pectoral-fin base.
The esca is a slender axial rod withmany filaments. Illicum is shorter thansecond dorsal fin spine. Second andthird dorsal fin spine curved. Color:body usually yellowish brown withelongate black spots and bands on
body and fins; narrow black elongate
bands radiating from eye. Size: maximum length 19 cm. Distribution:
widely distributed in Indo-West Pacific from east coast of Africa to Fiji,and southern Japan south to northern
Australia. Remarks: usually found on
sandy bottom.
(T. Yoshida)

Antennarius hispidus, KAUM–I. 23455, 11.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009

55

Antennarius nummifer(Cuvier, 1817)
Spotfin Frogfish
D I + I + I, 12–13; A 7–8; P1 10–11;
P2 I, 5; C 9. Body globose, compressed. Gill opening below pectoralfin base. First dorsal-fin spine with afleshy tentacle; base of the spine behind upper jaw symphysis; second
spine without membrane posteriorly;
illicium short, subequal in length tosecond dorsalfin spine. Posterior endof dorsal fin not broadly connected bymembrane to caudal peduncle. Pectoral-fin rays unbranched. Color: bodyred, pink, orange, yellow, tan, or
brown, with a large black spot at dorsal-fin base. Size: maximum length 13
cm. Distribution: widely distributedin the Indo-Pacific, from east coast of
Africa east to the Hawaiian and Marquesas Islands, and also from islandsof the eastern Atlantic. Remarks: usually found on reefs in shallow waters
to a depth of 293 m. (H. Motomura)

Antennarius nummifer, KAUM–I. 24060, 5.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 5 Oct. 2009

56

MUGILIDAE
Mullets

Medium to large sized (up to 100cm) moderately slender fishes. Body
subcylindrical, compressed posteriorly; lateral line absent. Head subcylindrical, flattened dorsally in many
species; eyes often partly coveredby well-developed adipose eyelid;mouth moderately small, terminal orinferior; teeth minute or absent. Two
dorsal fins well separated from one
another; first dorsal fin with IV pungent spines, the anterior three close
together at base; second dorsal fin
with I spine and usually 9–10 softrays; anal fins with II–III spines and
7–12 soft rays; pectoral fins high onside of body; pelvic fins subabdominal, with I spine and 5 rays; caudal
fin lunate, emarginate or nearlytruncate. Scales cycloid or ctenoid,
moderately large; enlarged axillary
scales usually present at base of pectoral and pelvic fins. Color: head andIV first dorsal fin spines; the anteriror
3 close together at baselateral line absent

II–III anal-fin spines

body more or less silvery, darkened
dorsally; fins transparent, dusky or
yellowish.
Remarks: fast swimming fishes;
inhabits coastal waters (usually todepths of 20 m) including estuaries;
often enter freshwater areas and lagoons. Frequently schooling. Feed on
detritus or small organisms. Many species are important to fisheries, caught
by various nets (e.g., seines, cast nets,

and gill nets) and usually marketed
fresh, frozen, salted or boiled; roe
may be also marketed; often used aslive bait in tuna fishing. Generic assignment follows Senou (2002) andGhasemzadeh et al. (2004).
Similar families occurring in thearea: Atherinidae – first dorsal fin
with III–VIII flexible spines, anterior
three spines separate at base; a single
anal-fin spine.
(K. Shibukawa)

Ellochelon vaigiensis(Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)
Squaretail Mullet
D IV + 7–9; A III, 8; P1 15–18; LR
25–29. Body moderately robust (depth
usually 20–27% of SL), compressed
posteriorly; no elongate scale (axillary
scale) above pectoral-fin base. Headwider than deep, flattened dorsally;
adipose eyelid poorly developed; hind
tip of maxilla exposed when mouthclosed. Second dorsal and anal finspointed but not falcate; caudal fintruncate. Scales ctenoid. Pyloric caeca
much divided, up to 23 in about 2bunches. Color: head and body silvery, darkened dorsally; 5–6 indistinct, dusky longitudinal stripes onbody; pectoral fin entirely black; analand caudal fins yellowish. Size: 60 cm
SL, commonly to 35 cm TL. Distribution: Indo-Pacific. Remarks: foundin shallow coastal waters, and enters
estuaries. Marketed fresh and salted.
(K. Shibukawa & S. Tafzilmeriam)

Ellochelon vaigiensis, KAUM–I. 47409, 21.7 cm SL
Ang Sila, 15 June 2012

57

Moolgarda cunnesius(Valenciennes, 1836)
Longarm Mullet
D IV + 9; A III, 9; P1 15–17; LR
37–43; LGR 62–75. Body elongate,
relatively robust. Head deeper thanwide, dorsally flattened. Second dorsal and anal fins weakly scaled, withscales only on anterior and basal parts.
Maxillary slightly curved downwards
and anterior edge of preorbital weakly
concave. Scale cycloid. Adiposed eyelid less developed, usually covering as
rim around eye. 18 or less circumpeduncular scales. Caudal fin forked.
Color: body greenish gray on back,flanks and abdomen silvery. Second
dorsal and anal fin with black margin.
A conspicuous black spot at origin of
pectoral fin. Size: attains about 14 cm
SL. Distribution: Indo-Pacific. Remarks: usually caught by locals bycasting nets around seashore including
estuaries. Marketed fresh.
(P. Musikasinthorn)

Moolgarda cunnesius, KAUM–I. 33073, 11.9 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 12 Nov. 2010

Paramugil parmatus(Cantor, 1849)
Broadmouthed Mullet
D IV + 9; A III, 9; P1 13–15; LR
24–26. Body deep (depth at usually
32–42% of SL), compressed posteriorly. Head wider than deep, flattened
dorsally; adipose eyelid poorly developed; hind tip of maxilla exposed
when mouth closed. Second dorsal
and anal fins pointed but not falcate;caudal fin emarginage. Scales ctenoid.
Color: head and body silvery, greenish or olive brown dorsally; 5–6 indistinct, dusky longitudinal stripes onbody; margin of caudal fins slightly
darkish. Size: 30 cm. Distribution:
Andaman Sea, Eastern Indian Ocean,and Western Pacific. Remarks: foundin shallow coastal waters, and enters
estuaries and rivers. (K. Shibukawa)Paramugil parmatus, KAUM–I. 22938, 9.3 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 31 Aug. 2009

58

ATHERINIDAE
Silversides

Small to medium sized marine
and freshwater fishes; maximum size
about 20 cm in the area, commonly
5–10 cm. Body slender cylindrical or somewhat compressed withround belly. Eyes large; interorbital
area flat; mouth small and terminal;hind tip of upper jaw not extending
to posterior margin of eye. Two dorsal fins well separated, the first with
III to VIII flexible spines separated
each other at base; the second dorsal and anal fins with a single spine
followed by soft rays (D2 I, 7–13; AI, 8–21); caudal fin forked; pectoral
fins high on the sides of body with
10–19 rays; pelvic fins abdominal tosubabdominal with I, 5. Scales cycloid, relatively large; lateral line absent. Color: body greenish or greenish brown dorsally, silvery ventrally;a broad silvery (black in preserved
specimens) stripe on the side of body.

III–VIII first dorsal-fin spines, their bases
separated

lateral line absent

mouth terminal

I anal-fin spine

Remarks: occurring in tropicalto temperate marine, estuarine, andfreshwater areas; usually found inbeaches and seagrass areas. Eggs withentangling filaments on chorion.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Atherinidae is distinguishedfrom the following similar families inhaving round belly, anus located behind pelvic fin base, 2 dorsal fins, firstdorsal-fin spines separated each otherat base, and a single anal fin spine.
Engraulidae – hind tip of upper jaw
extending beyond posterior marginof eye; a single dorsal fin; no spines
in fins. Isonidae – body compressedwith keeled belly. Mugilidae – firstdorsal fin with IV spines, anterior 3
spines close together at base; II or
III anal fin spines. Phallostethidae –anus anterior, located under head.
(S. Kimura)

Atherinomorus duodecimalis(Valenciennes, 1835)
Tropical Silverside
D V–VI + I, 8–11; A I, 11–14 (usually I, 12–13); P1 14–17; LR 35–38;
LGR 20–25. Body slender; somewhat
compressed. Mouth small, upper jaw
just reaching to a vertical throughfront margin of eye or slightly beyond
it; ascending process of premaxilla
short and broad; dentary with a tubercle at the posterior end; preopercle
notched. Anus situated in front of pelvic-fin tips. Hind margin of lateralscales entire. Color: greenish graydorsally; a narrow (less than 1 scale
width) silvery longitudinal band onside; one or two rows of dark spots
usually present below midlateral band.
Size: maximum length about 10 cm.
Distribution: East Indian Ocean andWest Pacific, from Sri Lanka to New
Caledonia. Remarks: occurring inbeaches and seagrass area.(S. Kimura)

Atherinomorus duodecimalis, KAUM–I. 24171, 6.4 cm SL
Bang Saen, 1 Oct. 2009

59

Atherinomorus lacunosus(Forster, 1801)
Wide-banded Hardyhead Silverside
D IV–VII + I, 9–11; A I, 12–16; P1
15–18; LR 40–44; LGR 18–24; V 20–
25 + 18–22 = 41–45. Body rather
stout, deep; anus near or usually beyond pelvic-fin tips; mouth large, upper jaw reaching to or slightly beyonda vertical through front margin of pupil; ascending process of premaxilla
short and broad; upper margin of thedentary almost flat distally, without adistinct tubercle at the posterior end;
posterior margin of lateral scales usually entire, but sometime crenulated.
Color: body greenish tan dorsally; abroad (ca. 1.5 scale width) silvery longitudinal band on side. Size: maximum length about 14 cm SL. Distribution: almost entire Indo-Pacific,
from East Africa to Tonga. Remarks:
occurring in beaches, sometimes entering estuaries. The genus Atherinomorus is characterized by having ashort and blunt ascending process andAtherinomorus lacunosus, KAUM–I. 23420, 8.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009a low and wide lateral process of thepremaxilla. Seven species of Atherinomorus (A. aetholpis, A. crenolepis,
A. duodecimalis, A. endrachtensis, A.
lacunosus, A. pinguis, and A. regina)
are distributed in the West Pacificcoasts of Southeast Asian countries.
Of these, A. endrachtensis, A. lacunosus, and A. pinguis differ from the remaining four species by lacking a tubercle at the posterior end of dentary.
Although A. lacunosus closely resem-

bles A. pinguis in general morphology,
the former is distinguished from thelater in having a wider midlateral band(the lower margin reaching to almost
the center of the fourth scale row atlevel of the anal fin origin vs. the lower margin reaching to the ventral endof the third scale row in the later) andmore numerous midlateral scales (40–
44 vs. 38–41). Atherinomorus endrachtensis has 33–35 midlateral scal
es.
(S. Kimura)Hypoatherina valenciennei(Bleeker, 1853)
Sumatran Silverside
D IV–VII + I, 8–10; A I, 10–13; P1
14–16; LR 40–46; LGR 22–26. Body
elongated, compressed, somewhat
deep (body depth 16–18% SL). Mouth
small, upper jaw just reaching to a vertical through front margin of eye orslightly beyond it; ascending processof premaxilla moderately long andslender; dentary notably elevated posteriorly; preopercle notched. Anus situated in front of pelvic fin tips. Hind
margin of lateral scales obviously
crenulated. Color: greenish gray dorsally, whitish below; a narrow (lessHypoatherina valenciennei, KAUM–I. 33125, 6.8 cm SL
than 1 scale width) silvery longitudiBang Pakong, 19 Nov. 2010
nal band on side, not extending to caudal fin; one or two rows of dark spots
usually present below midlateral band. north to Japan and Korea. Remarks:
Size: maximum length about 11 cm occurring in beaches, seagrass and
SL. Distribution: widely distributed mangrove areas, and estuaries.
(S. Kimura)in eastern Indian Ocean and West Pacific, from India to New Hebrides Is,

60

EXOCOETIDAE
Flyingfishes

Medium sized (up to about 40 cm)
marine fishes. Body elongate, cylindrical; flattened ventrally in somespecies. Head short; snout blunt,
shorter than eye in all Western Central Pacific species. Mouth small;jaws of equal size; teeth on jaws absent or very small. Gill rakers welldeveloped; upper pharyngeal bonesof third gill arches close together,but not fused into a single plate. Fin
spines absent; dorsal and anal fins set
equally far back on body, their bases
short and opposed; pectoral fins highon sides, strikingly long, always extending beyond dorsal-fin origin;pelvic fins abdominal in position,and greatly enlarged in many, but notall, species; caudal fin deeply forked,
its lower lobe longer than the upper.
Scale large, cycloid; lateral line pres-pectoral fins extremely longmouth small
lateral line low

ent on lower body. Young stages (toabout 10 cm) quite different in appearance from adults, with pectoral finsshorter, dorsal fin often higher thanin adults, color patterns variable, andspots and bars often developed; single
or paired chin barbels conspicuous inmany species. Color: dark dorsally,
pale laterally and ventrally; pectoral
fins in some species with dark spots or
pale stripes; dorsal fin in some species
with black pigment.

Remarks: inhabits surface watersof open ocean as well as neritic andinshore areas. Important food fish.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Hemiramphidae – pectoral
fins short to medium length, neverreaching dorsal-fin origin; lower jaw
much longer than upper jaw, except
in some genera; body more elongate; upper pharyngeals of third archfused, forming a single plat.
(M. Matsunuma)

Cypselurus naresii(Günther, 1889)
Pharao Flyingfish
D 10–12; A 7–9; P1 14–15; P2 6; GR
7–8 + 15–16 = 22–23; PDS 28–32; LL
45–48. Body elongate. Mouth small;lower jaw projecting. Lateral line
without pectoral branch. Eye large.
Dorsal-fin origin over before anal-fin
origin; pectoral-fin long; caudal fin
well-forked, length of lower lobe longer than upper lobe. Color: body silver, pale blue dorsally; dorsal and anal
fin pale; pectoral fin dusky; caudal-fin
black. Size: maximum 30 cm SL. Distribution: widely distributed in the
Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: pelagicin neritic and oceanic surface waters.
(T. Yoshida)

Cypselurus naresii, KAUM–I. 33236, 14.5 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010

61

Cypselurus poecilopterus(Valenciennes, 1847)
Yellowing Flyingfish
D 11–13; A 7–9; P1 14–16; P2 6;
GR5–7 + 16–17 = 21–24; PDS 25–28;
LL 45–48. Body elongate. Mouth
small; lower jaw projecting. Lateralline without pectoral branch. Dorsalfin origin over before anal-fin origin;pectoral fin long; caudal fin wellforked, length of lower lobe longer
than upper lobe. Color: body silver,
blue dorsally; dorsal and anal fin pale;
inner surface of pectoral fin with someblack blotch; caudal fin black. Size:maximum 27 cm SL. Distribution:
Indo-West Pacific, from the east coastof Africa to Australia, north to Japan.
Remarks: pelagic in nearitic surface
water.
(T. Yoshida)

Oxyporhamphus micropterus micropterus(Valenciennes, 1847)

Cypselurus poecilopterus, KAUM–I. 22924, 10.8 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 31 Aug. 2009

Oxyporhamphus micropterus micropterus, KAUM–I. 23354, 11.2 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 22 Sept. 2009

Bigwing Halfbeak
D 13–15; A 14–16; P1 11–13; P2 6;
GR 7–9 + 21–26 = 28–34; PDS 28–33.
Body elongate. Mouth small. Lateralline with pectoral branch. Dorsal finlarge, its origin just above anal-fin origin; pectoral fin short, its posterior tip
not reaching origin of anal-fin base;caudal fin well-forked, length of lower
lobe longer than upper lobe. Color:
Parexocoetus mento, KAUM–I. 33180, 9.8 cm SL
body silver; dorsal fin black; pectoral
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Nov. 2010
fin with large black area; pelvic andcaudal fin dusky. Size: maximum 17
cm SL. Distribution: widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific. Re- cal. Mouth small and terminal; both sally; dorsal fin uniformly pale; pectomarks: pelagic in surface waters.
jaws of equal length; teeth on jaws no- ral fins with pale oblique cross band,(T. Yoshida) ticeable (conspicuous to the touch). no dark spots; no black spot on pelvic
Lateral line with pectoral branch. Dor- fin Size: maximum 10 cm SL. Distrisal fin large, its origin well before anal bution: widely distributed in Indofin origin; pectoral fin long, its poste- West Pacific, from Red Sea and East
Parexocoetus mentorior tip reaching end of anal fin base, Africa to Marshall, Fiji, and(Valenciennes, 1847)
with an uppermost ray unbranched; Queensland, north to southern Japan.
African Sailfin Flyingfish
caudal fin well forked, length of lower Remarks: pelagic in neritic surface
D 9–11; A 10–12; P1 12–14; P2 6; lobe much longer than upper lobe. waters, never spread to the open sea.
(M. Matsunuma)
PDS 23–26. Body elongate, cylindri- Color: body silver, green to blue dor-

62

HEMIRAMPHIDAE
Halfbeaks

Small to medium sized (up to 45cm) elongate fishes with long, javelin-like lower jaw, projecting far
beyond upper jaw. Body elongate
and compressed; lateral line runningalong ventral margin of body witha branch to origin of pectoral fin.
Lower jaw usually long and javelinlike, whereas upper jaw short andtriangular; eyes large; several rowsof small teeth on jaws; gill rakers
0–78. Dorsal and anal fins positioned
at posterior part of body; dorsal fin
with 8–25 soft rays; anal fin with
8–19 soft rays; no isolated finlets
behind dorsal and anal fins; pectoral
fin usually short, with 7–14 soft rays;
pelvic fins abdominal, with 6 rays;

upper jaw shortpectoral fin shortlarge scales

lower jaw extremely longcaudal fin rounded, truncate, emarginated or deeply forked. Scales moderately large, cycloid. Color: head andbody silvery, darkened dorsally; tip oflower jaw tinged with red or orange inmany species; fins hyaline, often withblackish markings.
Remarks: surface-swimming fishes,
chiefly found in marine and brackish
waters, whereas some in freshwaters.
Omnivorous, feed on floating sea-

grass pieces, insects, crustaceans,and small fishes. Large species commonly esteemed as food fish, caught
by seine and gill nets; some freshwater species often treated as aquarium
fish.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Belonidae – usually both jaws
elongate; scale small. Exocoetidae– pectoral fin very large; jaws short.
(K. Shibukawa)

Hemiramphus archipelagicus
Collette & Parin, 1978
Jumping Halfbeak
D 12–15; A 10–13; P1 10–13; GR 6–8+ 19–24 = 25–32. Body elongate, subcyrindrical. Lower jaw greatly prolonged, beak-like (broken in photographed specimen); upper jaw shortand triangular, without scale; preorbital ridge (bony ridge behind nostril)
absent. Dorsal fin without developed
anterior lobe; pectoral fins relatively
short, not reaching posterior nasal pit
when folded forward; caudal fin
rounded forked, lower lobe longer

Hemiramphus archipelagicus, KAUM–I. 23055, 16.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Sept. 2009

than upper lobe. Color: body silvery
white, dark bluish dorsally; a dark
stripe with black upper margin on laterally; no vertical bars on body side;
beak dark with a bright red fleshy tip;
caudal fin dusky yellow, tip of dorsal-

fin lobe with some yellow. Size: maximum about 23 cm SL. Distribution:
western Indian Ocean and western
Central Pacific. Remarks: found incoastal waters.
(M. Matsunuma)

Hyporhamphus limbatus(Valenciennes, 1846)
Congaturi Halfbeak
D 13–16; A 13–16; P1 10–12; GR
23–37; PDS 30–38. Body elongate,
stick-like. Origin of dorsal fin above
anal-fin origin. Dorsal and anal finssituated in posterior portion of body.
Anterior portion of dorsal and anal
fins covered with scales. Lower jaw
beak-like and greatly prolonged, equal
to, or longer than head length. Upper
jaw scaly, triangular-shape and short(width 0.6 to 0.8 times in its length).
Preorbital distance 1.3 to 2.1 times indiameter of orbit and 0.75 to 1.2 times

Hyporhamphus limbatus, KAUM–I. 32928, 9.5 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 30 Oct. 2010

in length of upper jaw. preorbital ridge(bony ridge between nasal opening
and eye) present; posterior branch topreorbital lateral-line canal absent.
Caudal fin emerginate. Color: bodygreenish above, white ventrally, withthe silvery lateral stripe widening posteriorly. Tip of beak reddish. Size: at-tains about 22 cm TL. Distribution:
Indo-West Pacific from the Persian
Gulf to China along the mainland
coast of Asia. Remarks: inhabitsaround water surface and enters estuaries and even freshwater habitats.
Marketed fresh and dried.
(P. Musikasinthorn)

63

Hyporhamphus quoyi
Valenciennes, 1847
Quoy’s Halfbeak
D 14–17; P1 11–13; A 13–17; PDS
36–43. Body elongate, subcyrindrical.
Lower jaw javelin-like, its length up tohalf of head length; width of upper
jaw wider than its length; tip of upper
jaw rounded (rather than pointed);
bony ridge between eye and nasal fossa. Base of dorsal fin subequal to analfin base; dorsal- and anal-fin rays not
modified; pelvic fin abdominal; caudal fin forked. Dorsal surface of upper

Hyporhamphus quoyi, KAUM–I. 33178, 14.7 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Nov. 2010

jaw with scales. Color: greenish graydorsally, silvery ventrally; narrow longitudinal bluish silver stripe on midlateral body; tip of lower jaw red.
Size: 31 cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found in protected bays, and frequently enters estuaries. Schooling fish, feeds on small
crustaceans. Esteemed as food fish.
Oviparous.
(K. Shibukawa)

BELONIDAE
Needlefishes

Medium to large sized (up to 2 m)elongate fishes. Body elongate, withboth jaws extended into long beaks
filled with sharp teeth; nostrils in a
pit anterior to eyes. No spines in fins;dorsal fin single with 11–43 rays;
anal fin with 12–39 rays; dorsal andanal fins posterior in position; pelvic fins located in abdominal position, with 6 rays; pectoral fins shortwith usually 10–20 rays; caudal fin
variable, rounded to forked. Scales
small, cycloid; lateral line running
down from pectoral-fin origin andthen along ventral margin of body.
Color: these fishes live at thesurface and are protectively colored
for this mode of life by being green

11–43 dorsal-fin soft rays

both jaws extremely longsmall scales

pectoral fin shortor blue on back and silvery white on
lower sides and belly; usually, a dusky
or dark blue stripe along sides; tip oflower jaw frequently red or orange.
Remarks: mostly found in marine,
but some spices occur in freshwater.
Carnivorous, feeding largely on small
fishe. Many species are important for
fisheries; caught by casting or trollingsurface or near-surface lures.

12–39 anal-fin soft rays

Similar families occurring in thearea: Hemiramphidae – only the lower jaw prolonged or neither jaw prolonged and lacking the needle-sharp
teeth that stud the upper and lower
jaws of needlefishes. Sphyraenidae –jaws pointed but not prolonged intoa beak; 2 dorsal fins, the first spiny;
pelvic fins in thoracic position.
(M. Matsunuma)

Ablennes hians(Valenciennes, 1846)
Flat Needlefish
D 23–26; A 24–28; P1 13–15; PDS
340–430; V 87–93. Body elongate,
greatly compressed laterally; no caudal peduncle keel; lateral line without
pectoral branch; jaws greatly elongate,
studded with small sharp teeth; gillrakers absent. Dorsal and anal finswith high falcate lobes anteriorly; origin of dorsal fin posterior to anal fin
origin; pectoral fin falcate; caudal fin

Ablennes hians, KAUM–I. 33044, 35.4 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 9 Nov. 2010

deeply forked, lower lobe much longer than upper lobe. Color: body silvery white, bluish green dorsally; anindistinct dark blue stripe along sides;
about 12–14 prominent dark verticalbars on sides; tip of lower jaw red;scales and bones green. Size: maximum 120 cm TL. Distribution: widely distributed in tropical to warmtemperate waters in worldwide. Remarks:
found in offshore surface waters. Marketed fresh.
(M. Matsunuma)

64Strongylura leiura(Bleeker, 1850)
Banded Needlefish
D 17–21; A 23–25; P1 10–11; PDS
130–180. Body elongate, laterally compressed. Upper and lower jaws extended into long beaks with numerous sharp
teeth. Gill rakers absent. Scale small,
cycloid and easily detached. Origin of
dorsal fin over seventh to tenth ray ofanal fin. Bases of dorsal and anal finscovered with scales. Caudal peduncle
without lateral keels. Caudal fin emarginate. Color: top of head and backgreenish with a silver stripe along sides
widening posteriorly, lower sides andStrongylura leiura, KAUM–I. 22963, 24.4 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 31 Aug. 2009ventral surface white. Pelvic fins whitish. Pectoral fins with a distal dark spot,
tip of fins yellow when fresh. Tips of
dorsal and anal-fin lobes yellowish,
some black pigmentation along middleof fins. Caudal fin dark with a yellowish
tinge to upper lobe. Size: attains about
73 cm TL. Distribution: Indo-West

Pacific from South Africa east along thecoasts of Africa, Pakistan, India and Sri
Lanka to the western Central Pacific.
Remarks: usually seeks for small fishnear water surface. Found in coastal areas including estuaries throughout Thaiwaters. Marketed fresh.
(P. Musikasinthorn)

Strongylura strongylura(van Hasselt, 1823)
Spottail Needlefish
D 12–15; A 15–18; P1 10–12; PDS
100–130; V 59–65. Body elongate, belly rounded; no caudal peduncle keel;lateral line with pectoral branch; jaws
greatly elongate, studded with sharp
teeth; gill rakers absent. Dorsal and anal
fins with moderate lobes anteriorly; origin of dorsal fin posterior to anal fin
origin; pectoral fin not falcate; caudal
fin rounded or truncate. Color: bodysilvery white, grayish to greenish dor-

Strongylura strongylura, KAUM–I. 22930, 16.8 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 31 Aug. 2009

sally; no markings on body sides; caudal fin with a prominent round black
spot basally. Size: 40 cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks:
found in coastal areas and mangrove.
(M. Matsunuma)

Tylosurus acus melanotus(Bleeker, 1850)
Keel-jawed Needlefish
D 24–27; A 22–24; P1 11–13; PDS
280–310. Body elongate, rounded incross-section. Upper and lower jaws extended into long beaks with numerous
sharp teeth. Canine-like teeth on posterior part of upper jaw directed vertically. Gill raker absent. A conspicuous appendage sometimes present at tip oflower jaw. Anterior part of dorsal fin
with a low lobe (10.5–13.3 times inbody length). Scale small, cycloid andeasily detached. A distinct black lateral

Tylosurus acus melanotus, KAUM–I. 47455, 28.8 cm SL
Gulf of Tailand (SS), 20 June 2012keel on caudal peduncle. Caudal fin
deeply forked. Color: body dark bluishabove, silvery white below. Juvenile
with elevated black lobe in posterior
portion of dorsal fin. Size: attains about
90 cm TL. Distribution: temperate totropical regions of Indo-West Pacificfrom South Africa through the Central
and South pacific. Remarks: foundaround offshore and seashore where it
seeks for small fishes near water surface. Marketed fresh.
(P. Musikasinthorn)

65

HOLOCENTRIDAE
Soldierfishes

Medium sized (up to 45 cm SL)
marine fishes. Body ovate to moderately elongate, compressed. Headwith ridges and mucous channels
dorsally; edges of external bonesof head serrate or with spines; eyevery large; mouth moderately large,
terminal or with lower jaw projecting; 2 supramaxillae; small villiform
teeth in bands in jaws and on roof ofmouth (on vomer, palatines, and forsome species on ectopterygoids).
Dorsal fin base long, with IX–XIII
stout spines and 12–17 soft rays;
deeply notched between spinous andsoft portions or between last 2 dorsal
fin spines; anal fin with IV spines,
the third stoutest and often longest,and 7–16 soft rays; caudal fin forked
with 18 or 19 principal caudal rays;
pelvic fins with I spine and 7 soft
rays. Large and very rough ctenoid
scales; lateral line complete with
25–56 pored scales.
Color: usually reddish or pink;scale on body sides often lighter or

deeply notchedlarge eyelarge ctenoid scales

pelvic fin with
I spine and 7 soft ray

anal fin with IV spines

silvery white, thus forming longitudinal bands; black pigment somewhat
present on opercular membrane or as
markings in fins; fins with yellow or
white markings.
Remarks: mostly found in shallow
coastal waters. Feeds on large zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, andsmall fishes. Some species of Sargocentron having the preopercular spinewith venomous.

Similar families occurring in thearea: none. The serrate bony edges
and spines on head, in combination
with the large eyes, the very longbase on spinous portion of dorsal fin,
the presence of IV anal spines and 7
pelvic soft rays, readily distinguishes
the squirrelfishes and soldierfishes
from other fish families occurring in
the area.
(U. Satapoomin)

Myripristis hexagona(Lacepède, 1802)
Doubletooth Soldierfish
D XI, 13–15; A IV, 11–14; P1 14–16;
LLp 25–29; GR 12–17 + 24–34. Body
moderately deep; corner of preopercle
without a sharp spine; lower jaw
prominently projecting; 2 pairs of
tooth patches anteriorly on lower jaw
just outside gape; vomerine teeth in a
broad V-shaped patch; numerous
small scales in ventral part of axil of
pectoral fins. Color: scales of bodysilvery to white, the edges dark red to
reddish brown; a board red band fromupper end of gill opening to axil of
pectoral fin, enclosing opercularmembrane which is darker red or reddish brown; iris red, sometimes with ablackish blotch above and below pupil; spinous dorsal fin light red andwhitish basally, broadly bright red distally; soft dorsal, anal, and caudal finspale red, the distal part of the lobes ofthese fins more red than the proximal

Myripristis hexagona, KAUM–I. 32872, 13.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 27 Oct. 2010

part. Size: maximum length about 20
cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific: East
Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu
Islands, south to the Great Barrier
Reef and New Caledonia. Remarks: areef-associate species found in moderately shallow water to the depth of 40
m. Feeds at night, mainly on zooplankton.
(U. Satapoomin)

66

Myripristis robusta
Randall & Greenfield, 1996
Robust Soldierfish
D X-I, 14; A IV, 12–13; P1 15; LLp
28; GR 10 + 20–22 = 30–32. Body oblong. Body deep, 2.1–2.2 in SL. Interorbital very narrow, 5.7–5.9 in head.
Lower jaw slightly to moderately projecting when mouth closed; 2 pairs of
tooth patches at front of lower jaw
outside mouth. Inner pectoral axil
without small scales. Color: red dorsally, the scale edges darker red; sideof body pale orange-yellow to yellowish white, edge of scales orange-red;
opercular margin black extending
nearly to level of lower edge of eye;spinous dorsal fin red; soft dorsal,
anal, and caudal fins red with whiteleading edges and a bright red area
distally on lobes, a small blackishblotch at lobe tips; pectoral fins light
red, pelvic fins light red with whiteleading edge; peritoneum black. Size:maximum total length about 22 cm.
Distribution: currently known from
Papua New Guinea, the Philippines,

Myripristis robusta, KAUM–I. 32959, 12.2 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 1 Nov. 2010

and the Gulf of Thailand. Remarks:
occurs on sheltered reefs, around isolated rock/coral outcrops on silty sandand rubble bottom, in 30–45m.
(U. Satapoomin)

Myripristis violacea
Bleeker, 1851
Violet Soldierfish
D X-I, 13–16; A IV, 12–14; P1 14–
15; LLp 27–29; GR 12–16 + 26–32 =38–48. Body moderately deep, 2.2–
2.5 in SL. Interorbital moderately
broad, 3.6–4.1 in head. Mouth terminal or lower jaw slightly projecting
when mouth closed; single pair of
tooth patches at front of lower jaw
outside mouth. Lower part of inner
pectoral axil with small scales. Color:silvery to silvery pink, scales dorsallyon body with dark brown to nearly
black edges; opercular margin dusky
red; outer part of spinous dorsal fin
red to red-orange, the basal part translucent whitish, tinged with red; soft
dorsal, anal, and caudal fins red, thelobe tips broadly bright red, with anarrow white leading edge; pectoral
fins pale red, pelvic fins pink withwhite leading edge. Size: maximum
total length about 23 cm, commonly to
18 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific,

Myripristis violacea, KAUM–I. 33139, 11.0 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

from the coast of East Africa to French
Polynesia and the Line Islands. Remarks: reef-associated species, foundin shallow protected waters of bays,
lagoons, and outer refs in 1–30 m.
(U. Satapoomin)

67

Ostichthys japonicus(Cuvier, 1829)
Japanese Soldierfish
D XII, 12–14; A IV, 10–12; P1 16–
17; LLp 28–30; GR 7–10 + 12–14.
Body oblong. Dorsal profile of head
convex. Anterior end of nasal bones ofadults or subadults without a forwarddirected spine. Premaxillary groove
broadly V-shaped, no spine at cornerof preopercle notably larger than spinules along entire margin. Scales
above lateral line to middle of spinous
portion of dorsal fin 3.5. Color: edgesof scales red, the centers silvery pink;spinous portion of dorsal fin mottled
light red and whitish; remaining finswith light red rays and pale membranes; iris red. Size: maximum length
about 45 cm. Distribution: West Pacific, from southern Japan, Fiji andTuvalu to Australia; also known fromthe Andaman Sea. Remarks: mostly
caught by hook-and-line in the depth
range of 90–195 m. (U. Satapoomin)

Ostichthys japonicus, KAUM–I. 23147, 11.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 Sept. 2009

Sargocentron rubrum(Forsskål, 1775)
Redcoat
D XI, 12–14; A IV, 8–10; P1 13–15;
LL 34–38; GR 6–8 + 9–12. Body
moderately deep; dorsal profile ofhead convex; snout short and blunt;corner of preopercle with a sharp
spine; nasal fossa without spinules;
first suborbital bone with 1 or 2 shortlateral spines near upper margin. Last
dorsal fin spine shortest; second anal
fin spine very strong; caudal fin forked
with slightly rounded tips. Scale rows
above lateral line to middle of spinous
portion of dorsal fin 2.5; cheek with 5
oblique rows of scales. Color: bodywith alternate stripes of silvery whiteand brownish red; a triangular streakof brownish red on cheek; often a concentration of pigment forming anelongate brown spot beneath soft portion of dorsal fin and a roundish blotch
above base of soft portion of anal fin;pelvic fin spine white with red membrane; upper and lower edges of cau-

Sargocentron rubrum, KAUM–I. 33046, 12.4 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 9 Nov. 2010

dal fin brownish red; rest of caudal fin
and soft portions of dorsal and anal
fins yellowish; no dark spot on pectoral fin axil. Size: maximum length 32
cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pa-

cific, from the Red Sea to New Caledonia and New South Wales of Australia, north to southern Japan. Remarks:
found in protected habitats of shallow
waters.
(M. Matsunuma)

68

PEGASIDAE

Seamoths (Seadragons)
Small fishes (to 18 cm); body broadand depressed, completely encasedin fused dermal plates; tail encircled
by 8–14 bony rings. Mouth small
and inferior; toothless; rostrum longand flattened arising from a fusion of
the nasals. Gill opening restricted toa small hole on dorsolateral surface
behind head; gill filaments lobe-likeand with tufts. Dorsal and anal finsshort, spineless and usually with 5
soft rays each. Pectoral fins large,
wing-like, inserted horizontally, with
9–19 unbranched, soft or spinous softrays; pectoral-fin rays interconnectedby broad, transparent membranes.
Pelvic fins thoracic, tentacle-like,with I spine and 2–3 unbranched soft
rays. Caudal fin with 8 unbranchedrays. Swim bladder absent. Vertebrae
19–22. Color: highly variable, capable of rapid color changes to match
substrata; head and body light to darkbrown, olive-brown, reddish-brown,
or almost black; dorsal and lateral

9–19 pectoral-fin rays

rostrum long andflattened

tail encircled by 8–14 bony rings
body complelety encasedin fused dermal plates

body surface often with reticulations
or mottled lines; pectoral fins withbroad white margin and small brownspots; unpaired fins with small brownspots in irregular rows.
Remarks: Benthic, found on sand,gravel or muddy bottoms. They apparently “walk” over bottom with theaid of tentacular pelvic fins. Feed onminute zoobenthos with extremely

Pegasus laternarius
Cuvier, 1816
Brick Seamoth
D 5; A 5; P1 10–12. Rostrum relatively short (more developed inmales); 4 pairs of dorsolateral bodyplates; 5 pairs of ventrolateral bodyplates; dorsal surface of head andbody relatively smooth, lacking deep
pits; 11 tail rings; dorsal surface of last
tail ring lacking spine. Pectoral finlarge, fan-like; 5th ray stout, thicker
than other rays. Pelvic-fin spine andfirst ray forming an elongate, tentacular structure. Color: variable, dull tobright yellow or blue, with dark brown
reticulations or mottled on dorsal andlateral surfaces; pectoral fin hyaline,with numerous brown spots on its
rays. Size: 8 cm. Distribution: Sri
Lanka, Indonesia (Flores and Bali),South China Sea, and north to southern Japan. Remarks: found on sand or
silt bottoms in shallow waters.
(M. Matsunuma)

Pegasus laternarius
KAUM–I. 47680, 6.1 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 July 2012

Pegasus laternarius
KAUM–I. 47679, 4.7 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 July 2012protrusible snout.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Dactylopteridae – head large,
snout blunt, body covered with scutelike scales, not encased in fusedbony plates, tail not encased in bonyrings; pectoral fins extremely large,
with 28–37 rays. (U. Satapoomin)

69

Pegasus volitans
Linnaeus, 1758
Longtail Seamoth
D 5; A 5; P1 9–12. Body elongated;rostrum long; 4 pairs of dorsolateralbody plates; 5 pairs of ventrolateralbody plates; dorsal surface of headand body relatively smooth, lacking
deep pits; 12 tail rings; dorsal surfaceof last tail ring lacking spine. Pectoral
fin large, fan-like; 5th ray stout, thicker than other rays. Pelvic-fin spine andfirst ray forming an elongate, tentacular structure. Color: variable, brownor olive to brownish black dorsallyand laterally, lighter ventrally; pectoral fin hyaline, with numerous brownspots. Size: 11 cm. Distribution: Indo-west Pacific, ranging from east
coast of Africa and Persian Gulf east
to Australia, and north to southern Japan. Remarks: found on sand or siltbottoms in shallow waters.
(M. Matsunuma)

Pegasus volitans, KAUM–I. 47411, 8.8 cm SL
Ang Sila, 15 June 2012

Pegasus volitans, KAUM–I. 47412, 8.5 cm SL
Ang Sila, 15 June 2012

70

SYNGNATHIDAE
Pipefishes (Seahorses)

Usually small fishes (4–50 cm
TL). Body typically slender andelongate, without scales, encasedin a series of bony rings. Head either along same axis as rest of body(subfamily Syngnathinae), or bent
in ventral direction from main body
axis (subfamily Hippocampinae).
Snout generally long and tubular;
mouth small, toothless, located at
tip of snout. Gill openings reduced
to a pore in the opercular membrane.
Branchiostegal rays 1–3. No spines
in fins; pelvic fin absent, other finsvariously present or absent; a single
dorsal fin, usually with 15–60 softrays; anal fin small, with 2–6 rays;
caudal fin, if present, with 8–10 rays;
pectoral fins usually with 10–23
rays. Some species develop dermal
appendages along body, head, andsnout. No lateral line.
Color: variable with the species,
generally adapted to the preferredhabitat; species living on seagrass,sand, and coral rubble usually havetube-like snout

1 dorsal fin with 15–60 soft rays

pelvic fin absent

caudal fin present
or absent

small anal fin

gray, green, brown, or black groundcolor with various patterns; coralreef species sometimes colorful withwhite, yellow, orange, blue, red, andblack stripes and bands; fins usually transparent; caudal fin sometimes
with colorful patterns.
Remarks: usually live in coastal
marine waters; some are found in estuarine waters, and only a few in fresh
water; marine species found in various
habitats. Feed on minute benthic andplanktonic fauna, preferably microcrustaceans, by sucking into a tubular
snout. Males have a brood pouch inwhich the eggs are laid and where they
are fertilized and incubated. Mostly noor minor importance as food, but somespecies are for the aquarium fishes orused as medicine on Asian markets.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Aulostomidae – larger,
reaching 80 cm TL; body compressed and scaly; distinct separate dorsal fin spines, followed bya normal second dorsal fin; caudal
fin well developed; lateral line present. Fistulariidae – larger, over 100
cm TL; body depressed rather thancompressed; with minute prickles
and linear row of scutes; caudal fin
forked with a distinct elongate filament. Solenostomidae – body short,compressed, with large stellate bonyplates; 2 separate dorsal fins.
(M. Matsunuma)

Halicampus grayi
Kaup, 1856
Gray’s pipefish
D 19–22; A 3–5; P1 15–20; C 10.
Trunk rings 17–18; tail rings 32–37.
Body elongated; snot relatively short(2.0–2.6 in head length); superior
trunk and tail ridges discontinuous; inferior trunk and tail ridges discontinuous, lateral trunk ridge confluent withinferior tail ridge; subdorsal rings
arched dorsally; body with poorly developed dermal flaps or lacking. Color: brownish, with 10–14 diffuse darkbars. Size: 20 cm. Distribution: Gulf

Halicampus grayi, KAUM–I. 47690, 18.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 July 2012

of Aden, Sri Lanka, and Australia
north to southern Japan. Remarks:
found on sandy silt bottoms in shallow
waters to 100 m depth.
(M. Matsunuma)

71

Hippichthys heptagonus
Bleeker, 1849
Belly Pipefish
D 23–30; A 2–3; P1 13–16; C 10.
Trunk rings 14–15; tail rings 36–42.
Body elongated; snot relatively short(1.9–2.8 in head length); superior
trunk and tail ridges discontinuous; inferior trunk and tail ridges continuous;head and body lacking dermal flaps.
Color: variably tan to dark brown,
usually lacking distinct marking; dorsum and side of body plain, mottled,
or with diffuse pale bars. Size: 15 cm.

Hippichthys heptagonus, KAUM–I. 23391, 10.9 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 22 Sept. 2009

Distribution: Indo-west Pacific, ranging from east coast of Africa to Solomon Islands, and north to southern
Japan. Remarks: found in estuaries,
lower reaches of coastal rivers, andmangroves.
(M. Matsunuma)

Hippocampus trimaculatus
Leach, 1814
Longnose Seahorse
D 18–22; P1 16–19. Caudal fin absent; pectoral and anal fins present;
trunk rings 11, tail rings 38–43; coronet low, poorly developed; lacking
dermal flap on head and body. Color:tan to orange, or black, usually withdark spots on dorsolateral surfaces offirst, fourth and seventh trunk rings.
Size: 22 cm. Distribution: Indo-west
Pacific, ranging from Oman east to
Tahiti, and Australia north to Japan.
Remarks: found on rocky or sandy
bottoms in depths of 6–22 m.
(M. Matsunuma)

Hippocampus trimaculatus, KAUM–I. 47410, 14.1 cm SL
Ang Sila, 15 June 2012

72

Trachyrhamphus longirostris, KAUM–I. 23855, 27.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

Trachyrhamphus longirostris
Kaup, 1856
Straightstick Pipefish
D 26–30; A 4; P1 16–19; C 9. Trunkrings 21–24; tail rings 42–53. Body
very elongated; snot moderately long
(1.9–2.1 in head length); superior
trunk and tail ridges discontinuous; inferior trunk and tail ridges discontinu-

ous; median dorsal snout ridge serrated with numerous small spines; headand body lacking dermal flaps. Color:tan to brown, usually lacking distinct
marking; sometimes with 12–13 diffuse dark bars on lateralis. Size: 33

cm. Distribution: Indo-west Pacific,
ranging from east coast of Africa to
Solomon Islands, and north to southern Japan. Remarks: found in estuaries, lower reaches of coastal rivers,and mangroves.
(M. Matsunuma)

FISTULARIIDAE
Cornetfishes

Large elongate marine fishes,reaching 2 m TL. Body extremely
elongate and slightly depressed.
Mouth small, with a long tubular
snout; teeth in jaws small. Dorsal
and anal fins short based and opposite, with 14–17 soft rays; pectoral fins with 13–17 soft rays; pelvic
fins small and abdominal, with 6 soft
rays. Lateral line arched, running
anteriorly along back, then bending
downward on side and continuingposteriorly onto an elongate filament
produced by the middle 2 caudal-finrays; lateral line composed of tubeshaped ossifications that graduallytake the form of long bony shields
sometimes bearing sharp spines.
Body covered with rows of small spi-

Fistularia petimba
Lacepède, 1803

slightly depressed bodytube-like snout
no barbel

forked caudal fin
with a long filament

nules in some species; a row of elongate bony plates may be present along
dorsal and ventral midlines of bodyjust anterior to dorsal and / or anal fin.
Color: red to orange-brown above
and silvery below or brownish olive
above, lighter below, with a series ofblue spots on back and snout.
Remarks: no importance in commercial fisheries, but usually caught

with trawls.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Aulostomidae – no caudal
fin filament; barbel present on lower
jaw; distinct separate spines anterior to soft dorsal fin. Syngnathidae– smaller; body covered with armor;
anal fin reduced or absent.
(M. Matsunuma)

Fistularia petimba, KAUM–I. 33132, 39.3 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

Red Cornetfish
D 14–16; A 14–15; P1 15–17. Body
extremely elongate, slightly depressed;
snout prolonged and tubular, posttemporal ridge with large well developed
antrorse serrations. A row of elongate
bony plates embedded in skin along
midline of back anterior to dorsal fin;posterior lateral line ossifications end-

ing in a sharp spine. Caudal fin forked
with long whip-like tail filament. Color: head and body red to orangebrown dorsally, silver laterally andventrally; median fins orangish. Size:
commonly 100 cm, maximum 200 cm
TL. Distribution: widely distributedin Atlantic, Indian, and western Pacif-

ic oceans, including Hawaii. Remarks: found in coastal waters oversoft bottoms, usually at depths greaterthan 10 m. Marketed fresh, dried salted, or smoked; also reduced to fishmeal.
(M. Matsunuma)

73

SYNBRANCHIDAE
Swamp Eels

Medium to large sized fishes(maximum size about 100 cm TL).
Body very elongate, eel-like. Mouth
large. Gill membranes united. Gill
opening small as slit or pore underhead or throat (except Macrotrema
has normal size gill opening). Eye
small or vestigial (some species
functionally blind with eyes sunken
below skin). Anterior and posterior
nostrils widely separated. Dorsal andanal fin vestigial. Pectoral and pelvic
fins absent. Caudal fin small, vestigial or absent. Swim bladder absent.
Vertebrae 98–188. Color: body including head brownish, pinkish, purplish or bright red.
Remarks: occurring in freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats.
Many speceies have burrowing habits, some species are cave-dwelling.

Pectoral and pelvic fins absent

caudal fin small
or absent

Most species are capable of air-breathing. Food fish.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Anguillidae, Colocongridae,
Derichthyidae, Muraenesocidae, Myrocongridae, Congridae and Carapi-

dae – dorsal, anal and pectoral finspresent. Moringuidae, Muraenidae,
Nettastomatidae, Ophichthidae andSynaphobranchidae – dorsal and anal
fins clearly present.
(P. Musikasinthorn)

Macrotrema caligans(Cantor, 1849)
V 100–103. Body very elongate,
worm-like. Snout relatively pointed inlateral view. Scale absent. Eye greatly
reduced, sunken below skin. Origin of
dorsal fin opposite of anal opening.
Pectoral and pelvic fins absent. Caudal fin small, separated by notch fromdorsal and anal fins with 9–15 rays.
Gill opening wide. Gill membrane extending up to midside of body. Posterior nares anterior to eyes. Upper lip
exposed. Color: body including headpinkish, pinkish purple or bright red.
Size: attains about 24 cm SL. Distribution: known from freshwater, estuarine
and marine habitats of Thailand (theBang Pakong River, Songkhla Lake),

Macrotrema caligans, KAUM–I. 23809, 23.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

Peninsula Malaysia (Penang) and Singapore. Remarks: known only fromfew specimens. Biology of this epigean (mud-living) species is poorly
known.
(P. Musikasinthorn)

74

DACTYLOPTERIDAE
Flying Gurnards

Moderate sized fishes. Body elongate, not strongly compressed; headlarge, heavily armored; eyes large;
interorbital remarkably wide. Preopercle with a prominent elongate
spine. Gill opening restricted, fused
to isthmus. Spinous and soft-rayed
portions of dorsal fin separated by a
deep notch; first or anterior 2 spines
separated from remainder of fin; dorsal fin with VII or VIII total spinesand 8 or 9 soft rays. Anal fin without spines and with 6 or 7 soft rays.
Caudal fin emarginate. Pectoral finsremarkably large, horizontal, divided
into 2 portions; anterior portion with
5–7 short rays, posterior portion with
25–31 long rays, tip reaching to caudal fin base in adults. Pelvic fins with
I spine and 4 soft rays. Body scales
scute-like, forming prominent keels.

first 2 dorsal-fin spines detached from fin

pectoral fin very
long, wing-likehead armored

Swimbladder divided into 2 halves.
Remarks: found on sandy bottom
Color: variable, from brownish to in tropical and subtropical waters.
reddish, usually with spots or blotchSimilar families occurring in thees. Upper surface of pectoral fin usu- area: Triglidae – lower pectoral finally bluish, with some markings char- rays free.
(H. Motomura)acterized for each species.

Dactyloptena gilberti
Snyder, 1909
Flateared Helmet Gurnard
D I + I + V + I, 8; A 6–7; P1 28–32;
P2 I, 4. Body moderately elongate.
Second dorsal fin spine separated
from third to seventh spines. Interorbital space extremely wide, its width
18–23% of standard length. Granular
projections on snout arranged in arow; snout wide and rounded. Posttemporal spine well developed, butflat against body. Color: pectoral fin
with numerous dark spots and a large
black blotch on middle of ray; blue
spots and lines inside the middle black
blotch and posterior margin of fin.
Size: maximum total length 22 cm.
Distribution: distributed in the IndoWest Pacific, from the Arabian Peninsula to Japan, but not southern Southeast Asia or Australia. Remarks:
generally found on mud-sand bottom
at depths of 20–71 m. (H. Motomura)

Dactyloptena gilberti
KAUM–I. 23786, 10.1 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009

Pectoral fin of Dactyloptena gilberti

75

Dactyloptena orientalis(Cuvier, 1829)
Oriental Helmet Gurnard
D I + I + V + I, 8; A 6–7; P1 27–30;
P2 I, 4–5. Body moderately elongate.
Second dorsal fin spine separated
from third to seventh spines. Interorbital space wide, its width 13–15% of
standard length. Snout wide andsomewhat pointed. Preopercular spine
not extending further posteriorly thanposttemporal spine. Color: pectoral
fin with numerous dark spots scatteredon entire fin, except for white ray tips;
margin of middle portion of ray blackwith numerous short blue lines inadults. A large dark ocellus on pectoral
fin in juveniles. Size: maximum total
length 40 cm. Distribution: widelydistributed in the Indo-Pacific, fromthe east coast of Africa and the Red
Sea to the Hawaii and Tuamotu Archipelago. Remarks: generally found on
sand bottom in shallow coastal waters.
(H. Motomura)

Dactyloptena orientalis
KAUM–I. 23787, 9.5 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009

Pectoral fin of Dactyloptena orientalis

76

APISTIDAE
Waspfishes

Moderate sized fishes. Body
elongate, moderately compressed.
Dorsal fin with VIII–XV spines and7–10 soft rays; spines strong, venomous. Anal fin with III spines and
6–8 soft rays. Caudal fin rounded.
Pectoral fins long, greater than headlength; lower 1–3 rays detached or
separated from upper part of fin. Pelvic fins with I spine and 5 soft rays.
Lacrimal bone highly mobile. Depthof second suborbital bone subequal
to length of the bone; second suborbital bone broadly connected topreopercle. Preopercular spines welldeveloped.
Color: head and body silver,
yellowish, brownish or grayish,
not strongly mottled with spots or
blotches.

lacrimal bonehighly mobile

1–3 free pectoral-fin rays

Remarks: found on sandy or
Similar families occurring in
muddy bottom in river mouth and in- the area: families with free pectoral
shore waters; body partially buried un- fin rays and the mobile lacrimal bone
der the soft substrate. Dorsal, anal, and not occur in the area. (H. Motomura)pelvic fin spines venomous.

Apistus carinatus(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Ocellated Waspfish
D XIV–XV, 8–10; A III, 7–8; P1 11–
12; P2 I, 5. Body moderately elongate,
compressed. Lateral surface of headdensely covered with numerous denticulations. Interorbital space 10.0–
16.6 in head length. Ventralmost pectoral-fin ray separate from rest of fin.
Color: body brownish dorsally, whitish ventrally. Spinous portion of dorsal fin with a large black blotch posteriorly; soft-rayed portion grayish,
reticulated, with white margin. Insideand outside of pectoral fin yellowish
and blackish respectively. Pelvic fin
whitish to grayish. Anal fin grayish,
with black band submarginally, whiteband marginally. Color pattern of caudal fin similar to that of soft-rayed
portion of dorsal fin. Size: maximum
standard length 12.5 cm. Distribution: widely distributed in the IndoWest Pacific, from South Africa to Japan and Australia. Remarks: takenover fine sandy bottom at depths ofless than 60 m.
(H. Motomura)

Apistus carinatus, KAUM–I. 32821, 10.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Oct. 2010

77

SCORPAENIDAE
Scorpionfishes

Small to relatively large fishes.
Body usually weakly compressed;
head moderate to large; eyes andmouth small to large. Numerous conical or villiform teeth on jaws. Branchiostegal rays 7, rarely 6. Gill rakers
usually short to moderate, with spinous points on each raker. All species
with a suborbital ridge, extending
backward across cheek and usuallyfirmly bound to preopercle; the ridgewith spines in some species. Numerous spines on head in most species;
numerous tentacles on head and boy
in some species. Dorsal fin with
VIII–XVIII spines and 3–14 soft rays;
spines strong, venomous in most species. Anal fin with II–IV spines and
3–15 soft rays. Caudal fin rounded or
truncate. Pectoral fins usually large.
Pelvic fins with I spine and 4 or 5
soft rays. Lateral line with 4–54 pored
scales. Color: highly variable, fromblackish to reddish, usually with spots
or blotches; barred or mottled color
patterns in most species.

dorsal fin usually single with
VIII–XVIII, 3–14
caudal fin roundedor truncate

anal fin with II–IV, 3–15

suborbital ridge, extending
backward across cheek

Remarks: found on or near bottom from inshore shallow waters to
depths of about 1200 m; entering into
freshwater in some species; pelagicor semipelagic occurring offshore in
depths of 200–800 m in some species.
Well camouflaged and ambush predators, feeding mainly on arthropods
and fishes. Dorsal, anal, and pelvic
fin spines venomous in most species.
Ovoviviparous or viviparous.

Similar families occurring in
the area: Platycephalidae – headhighly depressed; ventral margin of
lacrimal smooth, without distinct
spines; two dorsal fins well separated. Aploactinidae – fin rays usually
unbranched; head with comparatively blunt spines. Serranidae – no suborbital ridge attaching to preopercle;
large canine teeth in jaws in many
species.
(H. Motomura)

Brachypterois serrulata(Richardson, 1846)
Sawcheek Scorpionfish
D XIII, 10; A III, 5; P1 15; P2 I, 5; LR
44–49. Body oblong moderately compressed. Maxilla scaled. Mandiblewith serrated ridges (developed inmales). Head ridges strongly serrated,but mid-lateral maxilla ridge almost
always lacking spine. Longest dorsalfin spine shorter than maximum body
depth. Pectoral fin relatively long, its
tip extending beyond level of anal-fin
origin but not reaching caudal-finbase; with 6–8 branched rays. Color:body reddish brown, with 6 broad vertical blackish bands; a large blackishblotch on lower portion of opercle.
Size: maximum standard length 9.9
cm. Distribution: northwestern Pacific, ranging from the South China

Brachypterois serrulata, KAUM–I. 47468, 8.7 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 20 June 2012

Sea north to Japan. Remarks: foundon sandy bottoms in shallow waters to
100 m depth; mostly caught by bottom
trawl.
(M. Matsunuma)

78

Neomerinthe procurva
Chen, 1981
Curvedspine Scorpionfish
D XII, 10; A III, 5; P1 19; P2 I, 5.
Body oblong, moderately compressed.
Interorbital region scaled. Posterior
lacrimal spine well developed, directed posteroventrally. Lateral lacrimal
spine present. Three suborbital spines.
No median ridge on lateral surface ofmaxilla. Color: body color variable,
blackish to reddish, and variously
blotched dorsally. Size: maximum
standard length 14 cm. Distribution:
distributed in the eastern Indian andwestern Pacific Oceans, from India toJapan. Remarks: usually taken by
trawl; no depth data available.
(H. Motomura)

Neomerinthe procurva, KAUM–I. 32974, 8.0 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 1 Nov. 2010

Neomerinthe rotunda
Chen, 1981
Round Scorpionfish
D XII, 9; A III, 5; P1 18–19; P2 I, 5.
Body oblong, moderately compressed.
Head profile rounded. Interorbital region scaled. Posterior lacrimal spine
well developed, directed posteroventrally. Lateral lacrimal spine usuallyabsent. Three suborbital spines. A welldeveloped median ridge present onlateral surface of maxilla. Color: bodycolor usually reddish, but variablefrom pinkish to reddish, and variously
blotched dorsally. Fins reddish withspots and/or blotaches. Size: maximum standard length about 10 cm.
Distribution: widely distributed in
the Indo-West Pacific. Remarks:
Neomerinthe rotunda is most likely to
be a junior syononym of N. erostris(Alcock, 1896). Usually taken by bottom trawl.
(H. Motomura)

Neomerinthe rotunda, KAUM–I. 23301, 9.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 10 Sept. 2009

Parapterois heterura(Bleeker, 1856)
Blackfoot Firefish
D XIII, 9; A II, 7; P1 19; P2 I, 5; LR
42–50. Body relatively elongated,strongly compressed posteriorly. Headridges strongly serrated; coronal andparietal ridges usually continuous.
Longest dorsal-fin spine extremely
longer than maximum body depth.
Pectoral fin long, its tip extending beyond level of anal-fin origin but notreaching caudal-fin base; with 7–10
branched rays. Upper and lower caudal-fin rays elongated. Color: body

Parapterois heterura, KAUM–I. 23796, 13.1 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

reddish orange, with 6 broad vertical
reddish brown bands; pelvic fin blackwith numerous bluish white spots.
Size: maximum standard length 18
cm. Distribution: allopatry distributed in east coast of South Africa andwestern Pacific, including northwestern Australia, South China Sea, northward to southern Japan. Remarks:
found on sandy or muddy bottoms inshallow waters to 100 m depth; mostly
caught by bottom trawl. (M. Matsunuma)

79

Pterois russelii
Bennett, 1831
Plaintail Firefish
D XIII, 10–11; A III, 7–8; P1 12–14;
P2 I, 5; LR 69–86. Body oblong, compressed; eye high set, broadly separated from suborbital ridge. Coronal andtympanic spines absent. Longest dorsal-fin spines subequal to body depth;
membranes of spinous portion incised
nearly to base of fin. All pectoral-fin
rays unbranched; membranes of upperrays strongly incised nearly to base ofray; each membrane reaching ray tip.
Scales cycloid. Color: body red with
about 12 dark reddish bars; ventral
surface of mandible and chest without
markings; soft-rayed portion of dorsal
and anal fins, and caudal fin pale red,
without markings; pectoral fin rays
with narrow black to reddish brownbands; numerous small white spots on
inner surface of pectoral fin and pelvic
fin membrane. Size: maximum length

Pterois russelii, KAUM–I. 33154, 13.0 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

about 20 cm SL. Distribution: IndoWest Pacific. Remarks: found on
sandy bottoms among corals in shallow waters.
(M. Matsunuma)

Pterois volitans(Linnaeus, 1758)
Red Lionfish
D XIII, 11; A II, 7; P1 14–15; P2 I, 5;
LR 81–109. Body oblong and relatively compressed. Head ridges strongly
serrated; usually lacking coronal andtympanic spines. Longest dorsal-fin
spine almost equal to maximum body
depth. Pectoral fin long, its tip extending beyond level of anal-fin origin but
not reaching caudal-fin base; fin membrane strongly incised; all rays unbranched through life. Color: variable
reddish to blackish, with numerous
narrow reddish brown to black bands
on body sides; numerous black spots
on soft-rayed portions of dorsal andanal fins, and caudal fin. Size: maximum standard length 28 cm. Distribution: western Australia and Pacific.
Remarks: found on rocky or coral
reefs; introduced into the Caribbean
Sea.
(M. Matsunuma)

Pterois volitans, KAUM–I. 24093, 24.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 5 Oct. 2009

80

Scorpaenopsis neglecta
Heckel, 1837
Yellowfin Scorpionfish
D XII, 9; A III, 5; P1 16–18; P2 I, 5;
LLp 20–22; LR 42–45; GR 4–5 +8–10. Nape and anterior body highly
arched, giving a humpback appearance. Interorbital space broad, its
width 3.8–4.4 in head length. Orbit
diameter 1.7–2.0 in snout length. Supraorbital and suborbital ridges serrated. Upper posttemporal spine simple. Upper opercular spine divided
into two or more spines. Color: bodycolor highly variable, strongly mottledwith yellowish to reddish and grayish
blotches. Axil of pectoral fins withblack spots. Size: maximum standard
length 18.3 cm. Distribution: eastern
Indian Ocean and the western Pacific
Ocean, ranging from India east to Japan, Indonesia and Australia. Remarks: occurs in shallow rocky andcoral reefs.
(H. Motomura)

Scorpaenopsis venosa(Cuvier, 1829)
Smallscale Scorpionfish
D XII, 9; A III, 5; P1 15–18; P2 I, 5;
LLp 22–23; LR 47–54; GR 4–5 +8–11. Body elongate, slightly compressed posteriorly. Interorbital space
narrow, its width 6.5–7.6 in headlength. Upper posttemporal and upper
opercular spines simple. Occipital pit
deep, quadrangular. Third or fourth
dorsal fin spine longest, its length 2.2–
2.4 in head length. Color: body color
variable, mottled with dark gray tobrownish blotches. Size: maximum
standard length 17.5 cm. Distribution: widely distributed mainly on thecontinental shelves in the Indo-West
Pacific, from South Africa east to
southern Japan and northern Australia.
Remarks: occurs in rocky and coral
reefs less than 100 m depth.
(H. Motomura)

Scorpaenopsis neglecta, KAUM–I. 33150, 9.8 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

Scorpaenopsis venosa, KAUM–I. 23155, 15.1 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 Sept. 2009

81

TETRAROGIDAE
Waspfishes

Small to medium-sized fishes.
Body usually strongly compressed;
head moderate to large; eyes andmouth small to large. Numerous
conical or villiform teeth on jaws.
Ventralmost pectoral fin rays not detached or separated. Lacrimal bonehighly mobile. Skinny sensory canal between pterotic and preopercle
absent. Suborbital stay usually notforming wide connection to preopercle. Anterior dorsal proximal pterygiophores sutured to neurocranium
and supracarinalis anterior absent.
Color: highly variable, from blackish to reddish, usually with spots or
blotches; barred or mottled color patterns in most species.
Remarks: found on bottom fromdorsal fin origin
usually above eyebody naked or with cycloid scales

inshore shallow waters to deep waters;
one species lives in freshwater rivers. Dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines
venomous in most species. This family was formerly included in the family Scorpaenidae.

Similar families occurring in
the area: Aploactinidae – fin rays
usually unbranched. Body covered
with modified, prickly scales. Synanceiidae – skin at gill opening broadly
connected to isthmus.(H. Motomura)

Vespicula trachinoides(Cuvier, 1829)
Goblinfish
D XIII–XVI, 3–5; A III, 3–4. Body
oblong, compressed. Head profile
pointed. Lacrimal with two spines.
Anterior three spines forming a nearly
separate fin; dorsal fin origin well behind eye. Eye small, orbit diameter
6–9% of standard length. Caudal fin
rounded. Color: body mottled withblack and greenish yellow blotches.
Caudal fin translucent with an indistinct vertical dark band. Soft-rayed
portions of dorsal and anal fins with abroad black band. Size: maximum
standard length 5.8 cm. Distribution:
distributed in the eastern Indian andwestern Pacific Oceans, from Myanmar to China and Indonesia. Remarks: found on sandy and broken
shell bottoms.
(H. Motomura)

Vespicula trachinoides, KAUM–I. 24071, 5.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 5 Oct. 2009

82

APLOACTINIDAE
Velvetfishes

Small marine fishes usually under 5 cm. Body usually compressed.
Head usually with knoblike lumps.
Eye small to relatively large. Snout
often prominent. Mouth moderate
to large. Upper and lower jaws withsmall conical teeth. Palatine always
lacking tooth. Vomerine teeth present
or absent. Gill rakers usually small
or moderate; 0–6 on upper limb offirst gill arch and 3–11 on lower.
Anterior isthmus with fleshy extension in most species. All fin rays
unbranched. Dorsal fin origin above
eye or almost so, except in Adventor
and Peristrominous. Dorsal fin with
9–16 spines and 7–16 soft rays; first
3–5 spines usually appear segregated, either elevated or largely without
membrane connection with the restof the spinous dorsal. Anal fin usu-

dorsal-fin origin
usually above eye

prickly body scales

lateral like with 9–16
tube-like scales

all fin rays unbranchedally with 0–5 weak or blunt spines and
5–16 soft rays. Pelvic fin with 1 spine
and usually 2 or 3 soft rays (rarely 1).
Lateral line with 9–16 tube-like scales.
Body scales modified to prickly scales(but some without scales). Color:body usually brown, reddish brown,
or greenish.
Remarks: aploactinids usuallyknown from the shallow sea bottom,

often found between or under vegetation or rocks. Most species wellcamouflaged. With no commercial
importance.
Similar family occurring in
the area: Scorpaenidae – pectoral
fin with 1 spine and 5 soft rays.
Tetrarogidae – anterior isthmus lacking fleshy extension. (H. Imamura)

Acanthosphex leurynnis(Jordan & Seale, 1905)
Wasp-spine Velvetfish
D III, IX–X, 7–9; A I–II, 6–8; P1 9–10;
P2 I, 2; LLp 9 (10 in total, 1 on base of
caudal fin). Body notably compressed.
Lachrymal with 2 strong spines. Preopercle having 4 spines; lowermost
small. Vomerine teeth present. Gillmembrane broadly united to isthmus.
Dorsal fin origin above near middle ofeye. First dorsal spine stout and strong.
Membrane between 3rd and 4th dorsal
spines deeply concaved. Head and bodylacking scales, except for tube-like lateral line scales. Color: body and headbrownish or creamish, having or lacking
brown spots; posterior margin of caudal
fin clear; pectoral fin with dark band
posteriorly. Size: maximum standard
length about 2.1 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, including southeast India, South China Sea, Gulf of Thailand
and Australia. Remarks: benthic species, inhabiting inshore, seagrass and(H. Imamura)soft bottom.

Xenaploactis asperrima(Günther, 1860)

Acanthosphex leurynnis, KAUM–I. 33110, 5.5 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 18 Nov. 2010

Xenaploactis asperrima, KAUM–I. 23811, 4.7 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

spines. Preopercle having 5 rather
strong spines. Dorsal fin origin above
Dusky Velvetfish
posterior border of eye. First 3 dorsal
D III, X, 9; A I, 10; P1 13–14; P2 I, 3; spines close together, widely separated
LLp 10–11. Body notably elevated be- from 4th. Head and body covered withhind head. Lachrymal with 2 strong modified scales. Color: body and headpale brown, having many small whiteand brown spots; caudal fin with a narrow darker band posteriorly Size: attains about 4 cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, including Gulf of(H. Imamura)Thailand.

83

SYNANCEIIDAE
Stonefishes

Small to large-sized fishes. Body
shape variable; head moderate tolarge; eyes and mouth small to large.
Skin at gill openings broadly connected to isthmus. Suborbital stay
becoming wider posteriorly. Lower
pectoral fin rays free in some species.
Head and body, except for lateralline, without exposed scales. Color:
highly variable, from blackish to reddish, usually with spots or blotches;barred or mottled color patterns inmost species. Inside of pectoral fin
with various color markings.
Remarks: found on bottom frominshore shallow waters to relatively
deep waters. Dorsal, anal, and pelvic

dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin
spines usually venomoushead and body
apparently naked

pectoral fin baseusually longfin spines highly venomous in most opening not broadly connected to
species.
isthmus. Aploactinidae – body covSimilar families occurring in ered withmodified, prickly scales.
the area: Scorpaenidae – skin at gill
(H. Motomura)

Choridactylus multibarbus
Richardson, 1848
Threefinger Scorpionfish
D XII–XIV, 8–9; A II, 8–9; P1 12;
GR 9–11. Body oblong, moderately
compressed. Head relatively small. Interorbital space wide, its width equal
to 1.5 times orbit diameter. No teethon vomer and palatines. Three lower
pectoral fin rays free and detachedfrom remainder of fin; uppermost pectoral fin ray not filamentous in adults.
Color: body yellowish to brownish,with a yellow to reddish marking on
shoulder. Inside of pectoral fin with
about five oblong white areas, surrounded by black or brown pigment
and usually with white specks in axil.
Size: maximum standard length 10.3
cm. Distribution: widely distributedin the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red
Sea east to China and the Philippines.
Remarks: occurs in coastal waters. A
highly venomous species.
(H. Motomura)

Choridactylus multibarbus
KAUM–I. 23805, 5.1 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

Pectoral fin of Choridactylus multibarbus

84

Inimicus cuvieri(Gray, 1835)
Longsnout Stinger
D XVII–XVIII, 8–9; A II, 11–13; GR
8–11. Body oblong, moderately compressed. Head relatively small. Orbit
only slightly elevated. Snout length
usually equal to or longer than postorbital length. Interspinous membranefrom fourth rewards less than one
fourth spine height. Lower pectoral fin
rays free and detached from remainderof fin; no filamentous upper pectoral
fin rays in adults. Color: body brownor grayish brown dorsally, paler ventrally. Head usually with minute blackspots. Inner surface of pectoral fin
without distinctive pattern, mostly
solid brown, without spots. Size: maximum standard length 19.5 cm. Distribution: distributed in the Andaman

Inimicus cuvieri, KAUM–I. 33000, 9.5 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Nov. 2010

Sea and the western Pacific, from thePhilippines south to northern Australia. Remarks: occurs on sandy or
mud-sand bottom less than 50 m
depth. A highly venomous species.
(H. Motomura)

Minous monodactylus(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Gray Stingfish
D IX–XI, 10–12; A II, 7–10; GR
11–16. Body oblong, moderately compressed. Posterior lacrimal spine much
longer than anterior lacrimal spine.
Posterior tip of pectoral fin reachinglevel of middle of anal-fin base. Dorsal-fin spines moderately strong; firstdorsal-fin spine equal to or longer thansecond spine. Color: body reddish tograyish brown, lacking distinct markings. Inner surface of pectoral fin reddish brown, lacking distinct markings.
Caudal fin reddish brown with two
white vertical bands. Size: maximum
standard length 8 cm. Distribution:
Indo-west Pacific, ranging from east
coast of Africa and Red Sea to New
Caledonia, and northward to Japan.
Remarks: found on sandy or mudsand bottoms less than 55 m.
(M. Matsunuma)

Minous monodactylus
KAUM–I. 32782, 6.3 cm SL
Ang Sila, 23 Oct. 2010

Pectoral fin of Minous monodactylus

85

Minous pictus
Günther, 1880
Painted Stinger
D X–XII, 11–13; A II, 9–11; GR
13–17. Body oblong, moderately
compressed. Posterior lacrimal spine
much longer than anterior lacrimal
spine. Posterior tip of pectoral finreaching a vertical through middle ofanal fin base. Dorsal fin spines moderately strong; first dorsal fin spine
shorter than second spine. Color:body reddish brown without distinct
bands or spots. Inner surface of pectoral fin reddish brown with yellowish
irregular bands between rays, the band
becoming wider posteriorly, forming abroad marginal band. Caudal fin pale,
without dark markings. Size: maximum standard length 12 cm. Distribution: widely distributed in the tropical western Pacific Ocean. Remarks:
occurs in depths of 27–90 m.
(H. Motomura)

Minous pictus
KAUM–I. 33224, 9.6 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010

Pectoral fin of Minous pictus

Minous trachycephalus(Bleeker, 1855)
Striped Stingfish
D X–XI, 8–10; A II, 7–9; GR 10–13.
Body oblong, moderately compressed.
Posterior lacrimal spine much longer
than anterior lacrimal spine. Posterior
tip of pectoral fin reaching level of
middle of anal-fin base. Dorsal-fin
spines moderately strong; first dorsalfin spine much shorter than second
spine. Color: body reddish to grayish
brown, lacking distinct markings. Inner surface of pectoral fin gray to
black, pale yellow dorsomarginally;
with numerous pale yellow spots,
forming hexagonal pattern. Caudal fin
gray with numerous minute dark
flecks on rays. Size: maximum standard length 6.6 cm. Distribution: Sri
Lanka, Indonesia, South China Sea,
Philippines, and northward to Taiwan.
Remarks: found on sandy or mudsand bottoms in depths of 11–46 m.
(M. Matsunuma)

Minous trachycephalus
KAUM–I. 23829, 4.4 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

Pectoral fin of Minous trachycephalus

86

Trachicephalus uranoscopus(Bloch, 1801)
Stargazing Stonefish
D XI–XIII, 12–14; A II, 12–15; P1
14–15; P2 I, 5; GR 2–3 + 5. Body elongate; mouth strongly upturned; eyeson dorsal surface of depressed head.
Skin at gill openings broadly connected to isthmus. Head spines poorly developed; lacrimal with 2 or 3 shortspines; preopercle with 4 blunt spines.
Lower pectoral-fin rays not free fromupper rays. All soft rays of fins unbranched. Teeth on jaws and vomer,
but none on palatines. Lateral line
present, but indistinct. Color: head,trunk and fins grayish to blackish,with poorly defined whitish spots or
blotches scattered on lateral surface ofbody, pectoral and caudal fins, andbase of anal fin. Distal margins ofsoft-rayed portions of dorsal and anal
fins yellowish white; posterior marginof caudal fin white. Size: maximum
length 8 cm SL. Distribution: distributed in the Indo-West Pacific, from
India to southern China and northern
Australia. Remarks: occurs in shallow inshore waters over mud bottoms,
sometimes in estuaries.
(H. Motomura)

Trachicephalus uranoscopus, KAUM–I. 47391, 8.4 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 13 June 2012

87

TRIGLIDAE
Gurnards

Small to large marine fishes,
maximum size about 1 m. Body elongate, head with paired rostral projections. Eye large. Two dorsal fins, firstone with VII–XI spines and second
one with 10–23 soft rays; anal fin
with 0–I spine and 11–23 soft rays;
pelvic fin with I spine and 5 soft rays;
caudal fin forked. Pectoral fin with
2–3 free rays.
paired rostral
Color: Body reddish or brown- prpjections
ish, with dark spots on lateral surface
body; pectoral fin dark sometimes
background with white spots or tal shelf and insular areas from shal- the area: Dactylopteridae – no freegreen margin.
low water to 500 m.
pectoral-fin rays.
(T. Yoshida)
Remarks: inhabit the continenSimilar families occurring in

Pterygotrigla tagala(Herre & Kauffman, 1952)
Striped Stingfish
D VII, 11; A 11; P1 13; P2 I, 5; GR
0–1 + 8–12. Body moderately elongate. Head large. Opercular spine longand slender; rostal spines short andstrong. Eye large, about equal to snout
length. Posterior tip of pelvic fin extending anal-fin origin. Pectoral fin
long, reaching the middle of anal-finbase. Caudal fin forked. Color: upper
body reddish white with some darkgreen to yellow spots; body silver ventrally. Dorsal fin reddish white; second dorsal fin with 9 spots in the middle. Pelvic, anal, and caudal fins
pinkish white. Inner surface of pectoral fin with about ten oblong whitespots, surrounded by black. Size:maximum standard length 10.9 cm.
Distribution: West-Pacific, includingSouth China Sea and Chesterfield Islands. Remarks: found in the continental shelf at depths of 95–119 m.
(T. Yoshida)

Pterygotrigla tagala
KAUM–I. 23813, 9.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

Pectoral fin of Pterygotrigla tagala

88

PLATYCEPHALIDAE
Flatheads

Small to large marine fishes,
usually ranging from 7 to 50 cm, a
few attaining to 70cm or greater.
Body elongate. Head moderately orstrongly depressed, usually armed bymany spines and ridges. Eye small
to relatively large. Snout prominent.
Mouth large, lower jaw longer thanupper. Teeth present on upper andlower jaws, vomer and palatine. Gillrakers few, relatively short or mere
stubs. Gill membrane free from isthmus. Two dorsal fins well separated;
1st dorsal fin with VI–X spines, firstshort, isolated or scarcely connected
to second; second dorsal fin with
10–15 soft rays. Anal fin with 10–15
soft rays; no spines present. Pelvic
fin with 1 spine and 5 soft rays. Lateral line complete, with about 30 tomore than 100 scales. Upper surface

1st dorsal-fin with VI–X spines
1st dorsal-fin
spine short

2nd dorsal fin with
10–15 soft rays

head depressed

lower jaw longer
anal fin with10–15 soft raysof body covered by ctenoid scales andlower by cycloid.
Color: usually dark above andpale below; the dark colors with various shades of brown, gray or black.
Remarks: platycephalids known
from less than 300 m, most found atless than 100 m and inhabiting on themud, sand, rocky shore and coral reef.
Many species excellent for eating.

Similar family occurring in thearea: Plectrogeniidae and Bembridae – lower jaw shorter than or equal
to upper jaw. Parabembridae – anal
fin with 3 spine. Holpichthyidae –head and body extremely depressed
and lateral line with bony plates.
Percophidae – head without spinesand ridges.
(H. Imamura)

Cociella punctata(Cuvier, 1829)
Spotted Flathead
D I-VIII or IX + 10–12; A 11–12; P1
19–22; P2 I, 5; LLp 50–56; GR 5–7 (intotal, usually 6). Body elongate. Headmoderately depressed. Suborbital
ridge with 3 spines. Eye without ocular flaps. Iris lappet simple and semicircular. Teeth on vomer in 2 separate
patches. Interopercular flap present.
Cheek region lacking skinny sensory
tubes. Lateral line scales with single
opening to exterior. Color: body andhead reddish, grayish or brown above,
whitish below, frequently with 5–6
dark bands crossing dorsal surface; 1stdorsal fin with broad submarginal
dark band; second dorsal fin withsmall dark spots; anal and pelvic finsdusky; caudal fin usually with a broad
dark band posteriorly or dark spots
and horizontal streaks; pectoral fin
spotted on upper half, dusky on lower.

Cociella punctata, KAUM–I. 23407, 12.0 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 22 Sept. 2009

Size: maximum length about 35 cm.
Distribution: widespread in IndoWest Pacific; Vanuatu to Papua New
Guinea, north to Taiwan, through Indonesia to Thailand, Pakistan, the Red

Sea, and South Africa. Remarks: occurring frequently shallow coastal waters at depths to 30 m or less. Young tojuvenile stages utilize mangrove habitat.
(H. Imamura)

89

Elates ransonnettii(Steindachner, 1876)
Dwarf FlatheadD VI + 12–14 (usually 13); A 12–14(usually 13); P1 19–22; P2 I, 5; LLp
83–107. Body slender and elongate.
Head moderately depressed. Preopercle with 1 long spine. Eye without ocular flaps. Iris lappet absent. Teeth onvomer in 2 separate patches. Interopercular flap absent. Cheek region lacking skinny sensory tubes. Caudal fin
concaved posteriorly; upper lobe with
an elongate ray. Lateral line scaleswith single opening to exterior. Color:body and head pale brown, with a series of small brownish spots along
body sides; 1st and 2nd dorsal, andcaudal fins with dark spots; anal fin
pale. Size: maximum length about 19
cm. Distribution: widespread in West
Pacific, including Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia. Remarks:
taken from sandy and muddy bottoms
in 5–53 m depths.
(H. Imamura)

Grammoplites knappi
Imamura & Amaoka, 1994
Smallspined FlatheadD I + VII–VIII + 0–I + 11–12 (usually 12); A 12; P1 20–22; P2 I, 5; LLp
51–54. Body elongate. Head moderately depressed. Suborbital ridge usually with 4 or more spines. Eye large,
without ocular flaps. Iris lappet simple
and broad. Interorbit narrow. Teeth onvomer in 2 separate patches. Interopercular flap absent. Cheek region lacking skinny sensory tubes. Lateral line
scales with spine and single opening
to exterior. Color: body and headbrownish above, whitish below, with
about 4 dark bands crossing dorsal
surface; 1st dorsal and pelvic finsdusky; 2nd dorsal fin with small dark
spots; pectoral fin with dark spots
forming several vertical bands; caudal
fin often with 2 dark bands posteriorly.
Size: maximum length about 30 cm,
commonly to 25 cm. Distribution:
South China Sea and Johore Shoals.
Remarks: taken by trawls to about 32
m depth.
(H. Imamura)

Elates ransonnettii, KAUM–I. 32822, 14.4 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Oct. 2010

Grammoplites knappi, KAUM–I. 33077, 17.4 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 12 Nov. 2010

Inegocia japonica, KAUM–I. 22867, 14.4 cm SL
Ang Sila, 31 Aug. 2009

Head moderately depressed. Suborbital ridge with 2 spines. Eye without
ocular flaps. Iris lappet long andbranched. Teeth on vomer in 2 separate patches. Finger-like interopercular flap present. Cheek region lacking
Inegocia japonica
skinny sensory tubes. Lateral line
(Cuvier, 1829)
scales with 2 openings to exterior.
Japanese Flathead
Color: body and head grayish or
D I + VIII + 11–13; A 11–13; P1 19– brown above, whitish below, with 6
21; P2 I, 5; LLp 51–55. Body elongate. obscure dark bands crossing dorsal

surface; 1st and 2nd dorsal, pectoral,
pelvic and caudal fins with dark spots;
anal fin dusky posteriorly in smaller
specimens or entirely in larger specimens. Size: maximum length about 25
cm. Distribution: widespread in Indo-West Pacific, ranging from Sri
Lanka to northern Australia and tosouthern Japan. Remarks: occurringin muddy or sandy bottom to depths of
85 m.
(H. Imamura)

90

Kumococius rodericensis(Cuvier, 1829)
Spiny Flathead
D I-VIII or IX + 11–12 (usually 11);A 11–13 (usually 12); P1 19–22; P2 I,
5; LLp 50–54. Body elongate. Headmoderately depressed. Suborbital
ridge with many spines. Preopercle
with 3 spines; uppermost longest,
reaching nearly to or just past opercular margin. Eye without ocular flaps.
Iris lappet simple or slightly bilobed.
Teeth on vomer in 2 separate patches.
Finger-like interopercular flap present. Cheek region lacking skinny sensory tubes. Pectoral fin concaved posteriorly. Lateral line scales with 1
opening to exterior. Color: body andhead brownish above, whitish below,
with about 5 dark bands crossing dorsal surface; pectoral fin dark brown,with a clear or pale area in center.
Size: maximum length about 25 cm.
Distribution: widespread in Indo-

Kumococius rodericensis, KAUM–I. 32984, 14.1 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 1 Nov. 2010

West Pacific, including Gulf of Oman,
southern Japan and Australia. Remarks: occurring in muddy or sandy
bottom at depths of 18–130 m.
(H. Imamura)

Platycephalus indicus(Linnaeus, 1758)
Bartail Flathead
D I-VII–VIII + 13; A 13; P1 18–20;
P2 I, 5; LLp 68–82. Body elongate.
Head strongly depressed. Spines on
dorsal surface of head obscure inadults. Preopercle with 2 spines. Eye
without ocular flaps. Iris lappet simple
elongated lobe. Teeth on vomer insingle band. Finger-like interopercular
flap present. Cheek region lacking
skinny sensory tubes. Single shortspine between first and second dorsal
fins present or absent. Lateral line
scales with single opening to exterior.
Color: body and head covered bymany small spots, whitish below; 1stand 2nd dorsal, pectoral and pelvic
fins with dark spots; anal fin pale; caudal fin with 2 horizontal dark bands,

Platycephalus indicus, KAUM–I. 22969, 24.3 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 31 Aug. 2009

single yellow blotch near middle offin. Size: maximum length about 50
cm. Distribution: widespread in Indo-West Pacific. Population in theeastern Mediterranean is migrant. Remarks: occurring muddy or sandy
shallow coastal waters. Records fromJapan and Korea are doubtful.
(H. Imamura)

91

Rogadius pristiger(Cuvier, 1829)
Thorny Flathead
D I-VIII + 10–12 (usually 11); A
10–12 (usually 11); P1 20–24 (usually
22-23); P2 I, 5; LLp 49–55. Body elongate. Head moderately depressed.
Single ocular spine present. Suborbital
ridge with fine serrations. Preoperculewith 4 spines, including one strong antrorse lowermost spine. Eye without
ocular flaps. Iris lappet bilobed. Teethon vomer in 2 separate patches. Interopercular flap absent. Cheek region
with well developed skinny sensory
tubes. Lateral line scales with two
opening to exterior. Color: body andhead brownish above, whitish below;
3–4 dusky bands crossing back. First
dorsal fin with submarginal blackishband. Second dorsal fin with many
dark brownish spots. Pectoral and pelvic fins with many small dark spots.
Caudal fin with a broad dusky submarginal band and a narrow whitemargin. Size: maximum length about
21 cm. Distribution: widespread in

Rogadius pristiger, KAUM–I. 32985, 12.6 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 1 Nov. 2010

Indo-West Pacific, including Madagascar, Red Sea, Andaman Sea, Philippines, northwestern Australia, Papua
New Guinea and New Caledonia. Remarks: occurring over mud and sandbottoms at depths to about 80 m.
(H. Imamura)

Rogadius tuberculatus(Cuvier, 1829)
D I-VIII or IX + 10–12; A 10–12; P1
19–22; P2 I, 5; LLp 47–54. Body elongate. Head moderately depressed.
Dorsal surface of head with spines andtubercles. Two to 6 preocular spines
present. Suborbital ridge with fine serrations. Lower half of preopercle
roughly serrated, lacking the antrorse
spine. Eye without ocular flaps. Iris
lappet scalloped. Teeth on vomer in 2
separate patches. Interopercular flap
absent. Cheek region with well developed skinny sensory tubes. Lateralline scales with two opening to exterior. Scales on anterior portion of bodywith one or more spines. Color: bodyand head light brown above, whitish
below; body with several indistinct
brown bands dorsally; dorsal fins withmany brownish spots; pectoral fin
with many irregular brownish bands,
posterior portion of pectoral fin blackish except for upper; pelvic fin withirregular brownish spots; caudal fin

Rogadius tuberculatus, KAUM–I. 23057, 8.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Sept. 2009

dusky. Size: maximum length about 15
cm. Distribution: widespread in Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: occurring
mud and sand to a depth of ca. 80 m.
(H. Imamura)

92

Suggrundus macracanthus(Bleeker, 1869)
Largespined Flathead
D I-VIII + 11–12 (usually 12); A
12–13 (usually 12); P1 20–23; P2 I, 5;
LLp 50–55. Body elongate. Headmoderately depressed. Suborbital
ridge with many spines. Eye without
ocular flaps. Iris lappet bilobed in
adults, crenate in juveniles. Teeth onvomer in 2 separate patches. Interopercular flap present. Cheek region partially covered by skinny sensory tubes.
Uppermost preopercular spine beyond
the posterior margin of opercle. Lateral line scales with 2 openings to exterior. Color: body and head brownabove, whitish below, with about 7
obscure dark bands crossing dorsal
surface in some; 1st dorsal fin dusky,
with black blotches; 2nd dorsal fin
with small brown spots; anal fin pale,a few dark streaks on posterior rays;
caudal fin with yellowish marking;pectoral fin grayish below, with dark
spots above; pelvic grayish. Size:

Suggrundus macracanthus, KAUM–I. 23172, 15.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 Sept. 2009

maximum length about 26 cm, commonly to 18 cm. Distribution: widespread in Indo-West Pacific, ranging
from southern India and Sri Lanka to
Taiwan and to Coral Sea. Remarks:
occurring in muddy or sandy bottom
to depths to 132 m.
(H. Imamura)Thysanophrys chiltonae
Schultz, 1966
Longsnout Flathead
D I-VII–VIII + 11–12 (usually 11); A
12; P1 19–22; P2 I, 5; LLp 50–54.
Body elongate. Head moderately depressed. Suborbital ridge with manyspines. Eye without ocular flaps. Iris
lappet with short branches. Teeth onvomer in 2 separate patches. Interoperclar margin incised, forming a broadlobe. Cheek region completely covered by skinny sensory tubes. Lateralline scales with 2 openings to exterior.
Color: body light tan mottled with numerous white spots, white below, with
about 5–7 brown bands crossing back;
1st dorsal fin with a large black submarginal blotch; 2nd dorsal fin withalternating white and brown spots onrays; anal fin pale; caudal fin withrows of small white spots separating
2–3 dark bands; pectoral fin white below, with several small brown blotches in middle and a series of blackish

Thysanophrys chiltonae, KAUM–I. 23171, 12.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 Sept. 2009

blotches above; pelvic fin with aprominent blackish blotch near base.
Size: maximum length about 22 cm,
commonly to 16 cm. Distribution:
widespread in Indo-West Pacific,
ranging from Red Sea to southern Ja-

pan and to Marquesas Islands, including Malaysia, Indonesia, northern
Australia, and Mariana and MarshallIslands. Remarks: inhabits sand areaadjacent to coral reefs to a depth of ca.
38 m.
(H. Imamura)

93

AMBASSIDAE

Perchlets (Glassfishes)
Small to moderate sized (up to 12cm), oblong and compressed fishes.
Lateral line continuous or interrupted
at midway. Head compressed; eyes
large; lower jaw subequal or projecting beyond upper jaw; spines orserrations on various parts of head(e.g., round of eye, snout, and margins of preopercle and interopercle);no opercular spine; villiform teeth
on jaws and roof of buccal cavity;
branchiostegals 6. Dorsal fin single,
deeply notched before last spine,with VII or VIII spines and 7–11
soft rays; anal fin with III spines and
8–11 soft rays; pectoral fin with 11–
17 soft rays; pelvic fin I, 5; caudal fin
forked. Scales cycloid, moderately
large and thin, and usually easy to be
deciduous. Vertebratae 24–25.
Color: subtranslucent or opaque,with silvery head and belly; fins hya-single dorsal fin with VII–VIII, 7–11
no opercular spines

forked caudal fin

cycloid scales

anal fin with III, 8–11

line, usually with black streaks and/or blotches on dorsal and caudal fins,tinged with yellow in some species.
Remarks: found in freshwaters,
brackish estuaries, mangroves, andshallow coastal water; usually forming aggregations, and feed on small
crustaceans, insects, and fishes. Minor importance in fisheries, often

marketed as dried and salted; some
freshwater species treated as popularaquarium fish.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Apogonidae – two separate
dorsal fins; II anal-fin spines.
(K. Shibukawa)

Ambassis kopsii
Bleeker, 1858
Singapore Glassy Perchlet
D VII + I, 10–11; A III, 8–9; P1 14;
LLS 26–28; PDS 8–11. Body deep,
compressed; lateral line continuous.
Single supraorbital spine (= posteriorly-directed spine at dorsoposterior
margin of orbit); hind margin of preopercle smooth; 2 scale rows on
cheek. Color: body semitransparent,
head and belly silvery; a large black
spot at distal tip of first dorsal fin; pelvic fin and anterior part of anal fintinged with yellow. Size: 10.2 cm.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found in brackish estuaries
and adjacent coastal waters.
(K. Shibukawa)

Ambassis kopsii, KAUM–I. 24022, 6.6 cm SL
Bang Sean, 1 Oct. 2009

94

Ambassis vachellii
Richardson, 1846
Vachell's Glass Perchlet
D VII + I, 9; A III, 9; P1 14–16; LL
10–13 + 12–14; LR 27–28. Body oblong, compressed; lateral line interrupted at midway, anterior and posterior series with 10–13 and 12–14
scales, respectively. Some or more(most frequently 3–5) supraorbital
spines (posteriorly-directed spines at
dorsoposterior margin of orbit); hindand ventral margins of preopercle withserrate; 2 or more scale rows on cheek.
Color: body semitransparent, headand belly silvery; dorsal fins hyaline,
exclusive of membrane between 2nd
and 3rd spines of first dorsal fin blackish; caudal fin often tinged with yellow. Size: 5.5 cm SL. Distribution:
Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: foundin bays, brackish estuaries and tidal
creeks, especially mangroves.
(K. Shibukawa)

Ambassis vachellii, KAUM–I. 32922, 5.2 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 30 Oct. 2010

Parambassis wolffii(Bleeker, 1850)
Duskyfin Glassy Perchlet
D VIII + I, 10–11; A III, 9–10; LLS
43–46. Body very deep, compressed;
lateral line continuous; scales small.
Single supraorbital spine (= posteriorly-directed spine at dorsoposterior
margin of orbit); hind margin of preopercle with small serrae; 7–10 scalerows on cheek. Second spine of anal
fin greatly enlarged, much longer than
third spine. Color: head and body palegrayish or silvery. Size: 20 cm. Distribution: Mekong and Chao Phraya basins to Malay Peninsula, Sumatra andBorneo. Remarks: found in lower
reaches of large rivers.
(K. Shibukawa)Parambassis wolffii, KAUM–I. 32748, 7.0 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 23 Oct. 2010

95

LATIDAE
Lates

Medium to large sized (up to 2 mTL) percoid fishes. Body elongate,
compressed; dorsal profile behind
eyes concave or convex. Eyes medium sized, relatively close to tip ofsnout and dorsal profile. Preopercle
with serrated posterior or ventral margins and a stout flat spine at angle;
opercle with small flat spine; serrated
supracleithrum exposed, near beginning of lateral line. Snout rounded.
Mouth large, almost horizontal. Teeth
small, in villiform bands on upperand lower jaws, vomer, and palatines(may be present on tongue). Dorsal fin
deeply incised between spiny and soft
portions; but not completely separatedor, if separated, with one or two isolated spines present between them; with
VII–IX spines and 10–14 soft rays.
Anal fin with III spines and 7–9 soft
rays. Pelvic fin with axillary scale,and I spine and 5 soft rays. Pectoral

dorsal fins not completely separated

preopercle serrated, astout flat spine at angle

fin with 16 or 17 rays and spiny flap
just above fin base. Caudal fin rounded.
Scales large, ctenoid; covering bases of
caudal, soft dorsal, and anal fins; lateral-line scales 45–50, extending onto
caudal fin in 1 or 3 series. Vertebrae
11 + 14 = 25. Branchiostegal rays 7.
Color: adults greenish or silvery grayto brown, juveniles with stripes; eyeswith characteristic red reflection.
Remarks: occurring coastal ma-

lateral line extending
onto caudal finrine and estuarine to fresh-water habitats. Important and popular food fish.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Serranidae – preopercle
usually without large flat spines orserrations; opercle with 3 flat spines;
lateral line not extending onto caudal
fin. Mronidae – opercle with 2 spines;
pelvic fins without axillary scale; lateral line not extending onto caudal fin.
(M. Matsunuma)

Lates calcarifer(Bloch, 1790)
Barramundi
D VII–IX, 10–11; A III, 7–8; P1 17–
18; LLp 54–57; LGR 16–17; V 25.
Body moderately deep, elongate, andcompressed; dorsal profile of headconcave anteriorly; snout and jaws
pointed; lower edge of preopercle with
3 or 4 (rarely more) large flat triangular spines; anterior and posterior nostrils close together near eye; mouthlarge, posterior tip of maxilla extending beyond eye. Dorsal fin deeply incised before last dorsal-fin spine; 3rdanal fin spine longest; caudal fin
rounded. Scales firmly fixed, ctenoid;
lateral line extending onto caudal fin.
Color: silver with olive-gray or grayblue bakes; eyes brown to golden; juveniles brown to grayish brown with 3
white stripes on head and scattered

Lates calcarifer, KAUM–I. 33104, 16.0 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 13 Nov. 2010

white patches on body sides. Size: lia, north to China. Remarks: foundmaximum over 2 m TL. Distribution: in coastal marine and estuarine waters.
widely distributed in the Indo-West Feeds on fishes and some crustaceans.
Pacific, from the Persian Gulf to Pap(M. Matsunuma)
ua New Guinea and northern Austra-

96

ACROPOMATIDAE
Temperate Ocean-basses

Small to medium-sized fishes,
up to about 40 cm. Body elongate,
moderately compressed. Eyes large,
its diameter greater than snout length.
Mouth subterminal; lower jaw slightly
projecting; jaws usually with canine
teeth; lateral surface of maxilla notcovered with scales. Opercle usuallywith 2 or 3 spines. Gill membranes
free from isthmus. Branchiostegalrays 7. Usually two dorsal fins; first
fin with VII–X spines, and second fin
with 0 or I spine and 8–10 soft rays.
Anal fin with II or III spines and 6–8
soft rays. Caudal fin forked, sometimes emarginate. Color: body pink,
reddish, whitish, silver, brownish or
blackish; darker dorsally, paler ventrally. Remarks: occurs in relatively

2 dorsal fin with VII–X + 0–1, 8–10
2 or 3 opecular spines
forked or emarginate
caudal fin

anal fin with II–III, 6–8

deep waters at depths of about 20–700m; demarsal, usually over soft bottoms.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Apogonidae – anal fin with 8–18

soft rays. Opercle with a single spine.
Lactaridae – second dorsal fin with
19–23 soft rays. Anal fin with 25–28
soft rays.
(H. Motomura)

Acropoma japonicum
Günther, 1859
Glowbelly
D VII + I + I, 10; A III, 7; P1 15–16;
P2 I, 5; LLp 43–45; GR 5–8 + 15–18.
Body moderately elongate. Head large;
lower jaw projecting. Eye large, about
equal to snout length. Base of anal fin
shorter than base of second dorsal fin.
Caudal fin forked. Color: head anddorsal half of trunk yellowish pink;
opercle and lower half of trunk silver.
Pelvic and anal fins pale with manysmall black pigments. Size: maximum
length 14 cm SL. Distribution: IndoWest Pacific. Remarks: inhabits sandy
bottom. Marketed fresh. (T. Yoshida)

Acropoma japonicum, KAUM–I. 23089, 12.7 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 Sept. 2009

97

SERRANIDAE

Groupers (Sea Basses, Fairy Basslets)
Body variable in shape, fromdeep-bodied to elongate and little
compressed to notably compressed.
Opercle bearing 3 flat spines; posterior margin of preopercle nearly
always serrate or with 1–4 spines.
Mouth large, terminal; maxilla exposed when mouth closed; lower jaw
usually projecting; bands of small,
slender teeth in jaws; canines usuallypresent at front of jaw and sometimes
at side; small teeth present on vomer
and palatines of most species; nomolar or incisiform teeth. Opercular membrane separate, with 7 branchiostegal rays. Dorsal fin single or
may be notched, with IV–XIII spinesand 9–25 soft rays; anal fin with III(rarely II) spines and 6–24 soft rays;
caudal fin rounded to lunate in shapewith 12–15 branched rays; pelvic
fins with I spine and 5 soft rays, no
scaly axillary pelvic process. Scales
small to moderate, adherent, ctenoid(or secondarily cycloid). A single
complete lateral line, extending on
caudal fin less than ½ length of middle caudal fin rays.
Color: variable with patterns oflight or dark stripes, spots, vertical or

single dorsal fin with VII–XIII spines
caudal fin usuallyrounded, truncate,or lunate

3 opercular spines

usually ctenoid
scalesanal fin with III spines

diagonal bars, or nearly plain.
Remarks: benthic or bottom-orientated fishes, usually found on coral
reefs or rocky substrata; most species
occur on continental or insular shelvesin depths less than 200 m. All are predaceous, the larger species feeding
mainly on fishes, crustaceans, andcephalopods, while the smaller ones
feed on zooplankton. Most species areprotogynous hermaphrodites.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Latidae – lateral line extends to rear margin of caudal fin;
opercle with a single flat spine.
Lutjanidae – no spines on opercle; scaly
axillary process at base of pelvic finsusually well developed. Haemulidae– no teeth on vomer or palatines; nospines on opercle. Sparidae – jaws
with incisiform and/or molariform
teeth; no spines on opercle; edge ofpreopercle smooth. Lobotidae – nospines on opercle; no teeth on vomer or palatines. Kuhliidae – rearedge of opercle froming only 2 flat
points; branchiostegal rays 6; scaly
sheath at bases of dorsal and anal
fins. Acropomatidae – rear edge of
opercle forming 2 flat points, or thelowest point developed as a cluster of
sharp spines; several distinct, spaced
canines along lower jaw.
(H. Motomura)

Cephalopholis boenak(Bloch, 1790)
Chocolate Hind
D IX, 15–17; A III, 8; P1 16–17; P2 I,
5; LLp 46–51; GR 7–9 + 14–17. Body
moderately elongate; body depth lessthan head length, 2.6–3.0 in SL. Head
length 2.3–2.7 in SL. Teeth on palatines. Dorsal-fin membranes distinctly
incised between spines. Caudal fin
rounded. Pectoral fin middle rays longest, its length 1.3–1.6 in head length.
Longest pelvic-fin soft ray length 1.7–
2.2 in head length. No sclaes on maxilla; no auxiliary scales on body. Color: body dark brown, often dark
reddish brown, usually with 7 or 8
dark bars on body. Black spot between
upper and middle opercular spines.
Size: maximum length 26 cm. Distribution: widely distributed in the Indo-

Cephalopholis boenak, KAUM–I. 32963, 14.9 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 1 Nov. 2010

West Pacific, from east coast of Africa reefs in protected waters in depths of 4
east to New Caledonia, including to 64 m. Feeds mainly on crustaceans.
southern Japan and northern Australia. Common in the area.
Remarks: usually found on silty dead(H. Motomura & Y. Yusuf)

98

Cephalopholis formosa(Shaw, 1812)
Bluelined Grouper
D IX, 15–17; A III, 7–8; P1 16–18 ;LLp 47–51; GR 7–10 + 15–18. Body
moderate; its depth 2.5–2.9 in SL. Caudal fin rounded; pectoral fins short,
1.6–1.8 in head length. Snout largely
scaled; maxilla partially scaled; scales
on abdomen ctenoid. Color: darkbrown to yellowish brown, with irregular dark blue lines on head, body andfins; snout, lips, and ventral part ofhead and chest with small dark blue
spots. Size: maximum length about 34
cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.
Remarks: found in shallow coastal
waters with dead coral, rocky or silty
reefs; depth range 10–30 m. (Y. Yusuf)

Cephalopholis formosa, KAUM–I. 47682, 13.1 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 July 2012

Cephalopholis sonnerati(Valenciennes, 1828)
Tomato Hind
D IX, 14–16; A III, 9; P1 18–20; P2 I,
5; LLp 66–80; GR 7–9 + 14–16. Body
relatively deep; body depth greater thanor subequal to head length, 2.3–2.7 in
SL. Head length 2.5–2.7 in SL. Dorsalfin membranes distinctly incised between spines. Caudal fin rounded. Pectoral fin middle rays longest, its length,
subequal to longest pelvic-fin ray, 1.5–
1.7 in head length for specimens of
15–40 cm length. Color: body generally pale reddish to yellowish brown,with small brownish red or dark brownspots on head and fainter spots on bodyand fins. Size: maximum length 57 cm.
Distribution: widely distributed in the
Indo-Pacific. Remarks: usually foundon coral reefs in lagoon and outer reef,
depths of 10 to 150 m.
(H. Motomura & Y. Yusuf)

Cephalopholis sonnerati, KAUM–I. 32801, 13.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

Diploprion bifasciatum
Cuvier, 1828
Barred Soapfish
D VIII, 13–16; A II, 12–13; P1 17–18;
P2 I, 5; LLp 71–76: GR 9–10 + 20–22.
Body deep, compressed; body depth
greater than head length, 2.0–2.4 in SL.
Preopercular, subopercular and interopercular margins serrated. Caudal
fin rounded. Posterior tip of depressed
pelvic fin extending beyond anal fin
origin. Scales mainly ctenoid, not deep-

Diploprion bifasciatum, KAUM–I. 33108, 10.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 18 Nov. 2010

ly embedded. Color: body yellow witha black bar through eye and a broad one
in middle of body continuing onto posterior two thirds of spinous portion of
dorsal fin. Size: maximum length 25

cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.
Remarks: found in coral reefs and adjacent habitats in depths of 5–50 m. Secret skin toxin under stress.
(H. Motomura & Y. Yusuf)

99

Epinephelus areolatus(Forsskål, 1775)
Areolate Grouper
D XI, 15–17; A III, 7–8; P1 17–19;
LLp 49–53; GR 8–10 + 14–16. Body
moderately elongate; depth 2.8–3.3 in
SL. Caudal fin slightly convex in juvenile, truncate or emarginate in adults;
pectoral fins relatively long, 1.5–1.8 inhead length, longer than pelvic fins.
Scales on body ctenoid, except for thorax and ventrally on abdomen; maxilla
with very small scales. Color: head,
body and fins pale gray, with numerous
close-set roundish to polygonal brownto yellowish brown spots; pectoral fin
pale, with small dark spots; caudal fin
with distinct white straight margin.
Size: 40 cm. Distribution: Indo-West
Pacific. Remarks: usually found inrocky reefs, dead coral, or alcyonarians;
depth range 6–200 m.
(Y. Yusuf)

Epinephelus areolatus, KAUM–I. 32830, 9.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

Epinephelus bleekeri(Vaillant, 1878)
Duskytail Grouper
D XI, 16–18; A III, 8–9; P1 17–19;
LLp 49–53; GR 9–11 + 15–18. Body
elongate; its depth 3.0–3.5 in SL. Preopercle with 2–9 enlarged serrate at
the angle. Caudal fin truncate toslightly convex. Scales on body ctenoid except for nape, thorax, and ventrally on abdomen; maxilla with verysmall scales. Color: brownish to purplish gray, with numerous small orange-yellow spots on head, body, dorsal fin, and upper third of caudal fin;lower two-thirds of caudal fin dark
purplish gray, with white margin.
Size: maximum length 76 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks:
occurs on silty coastal reef areas, but
is not known from well developed
coral reefs; depth to 50 m. Marketed fresh.
(Y. Yusuf)

Epinephelus heniochus
Fowler, 1904
Bridled Grouper
D IX, 14–15; A III, 8; P1 16–18; P2 I,
5; LLp 54–60; GR 7–9 + 14–16. Body
depth 2.7–3.2 in SL; interorbital areaslightly convex; dorsal head profile distinctly convex; preopercle angular,
with 2–4 large spines; upper edge of
operculum approximately straight;
maxilla usually reaching to or slightly

Epinephelus bleekeri, KAUM–I. 32962, 13.0 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 1 Nov. 2010

Epinephelus heniochus, KAUM–I. 32828, 10.6 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

past a vertical at rear edge of eye; lower
edge of maxilla with a step-like bend in
adults; canines at front of jaws well developed; midlateral part of lower jaw
with 2 rows of teeth. Color: head andbody pale brown dorsally, shading towhitish or pale pink ventrally; faintdark brown stripe from eve to end of
operculum, another darker stripe fromlower edge of eye to subopercle and athird from edge of preorbital to interopercle; dorsal, pectoral, and caudal
fins hyaline grayish yellow. Size: maximum length 43 cm. Distribution:
western Pacific. Remarks: often foundon soft bottom, rather than rocky areas;
depth range 40–235 m.
(Y. Yusuf)

100

Epinephelus quoyanus(Valenciennes, 1830)
Longfin Grouper
D XI, 16–18; A III, 8; P1 16–19; LLp
48–52; GR 6–8 + 14–16. Body depth
2.8–3.2 in SL; serrae at corner of preopercle enlarged. Caudal fin rounded;pelvic fins not reaching or just reaching anus. Scales on body ctenoid;
maxilla naked or with a few very small
scales. Color: body whitish, with numerous large dark brown to blackspots on head, body and fins; chestwith 2 dark brown bands joining below pectoral fin bases; ventral edge ofanal and caudal fins and leading edgeof pelvic fins with white line andblackish submarginal band. Size:maximum length about 40 cm. Distribution: the Andaman Sea and western
Pacific. Remarks: usually found on
inshore silty reefs; less than 50 m. The
enlarged fleshy pectoral fins appear to
be related to its habit of sitting on thesubstrate, with its pectoral fins in contact with the bottom.
(Y. Yusuf)

Epinephelus quoyanus, KAUM–I. 33145, 14.7 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

Epinephelus sexfasciatus(Valenciennes, 1828)
Sixbar Grouper
D XI, 14–16; A III, 8–9; P1 17–19;
LLp 46–51; GR 7–8 + 13–15. Body
depth 2.7–3.2 in SL; anterodorsal headprofile convex; preopercle with 2–4
greatly enlarged serrae at angle. Caudal
fin rounded; pectoral fins not fleshy;
pelvic fins not reaching to anus. Scales
on body ctenoid except anterodorsally
above lateral line, on thorax, and abdomen; maxilla naked. Color: head andbody pale brownish gray, with 5 darkbrown bars; scattered with pale spots
may be present on body, and some faintsmall brown spots are often visible on
the edges of the dark bars; soft dorsal,
caudal, and anal fins with dark brownspots, pectoral fins grayish or duskyorange-red; jaws and ventral parts of
the head sometimes pale reddish
brown. Size: maximum length about
28 cm. Distribution: the Andaman Sea
and western Pacific. Remarks: usuallyfound on silty sand or muddy bottoms
at depths of 10–80 m.
(Y. Yusuf)

Plectropomus maculatus(Bloch, 1790)
Spotted Coralgrouper

Epinephelus sexfasciatus, KAUM–I. 32829, 14.5 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

Plectropomus maculatus, KAUM–I. 23795, 13.7 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

D VII–VIII, 10–12; A III, 8; P1 15–17;
P2 I, 5; LLp 83–97; LGR 6–9. Body
elongate; its depth 2.9–3.9 in SL. Head
length 2.7–3.1 in SL. Gill raker at angleof first gill arch longer than longest gill
filament. Ventral margin of preopercle
with 3 large spines. Opercle with 3 flat
spines, upper and lower spines coveredby skin. Anterior and posterior nostrils
subequal in size. Anal fin spines weak;
first and second spines covered by skin.

Caudal fin emarginate. Color: bodyand fins brown to orange-red, with numerous small dark-edged blue spots;no spots on pectoral and pelvic fins.
Size: maximum length about 125 cm.
Distribution: known from the western
Pacific, including Southeast Asia,
northern Australia, and the Solomon
Islands. Remarks: found on coral reefs
less than 50 m depth. (H. Motomura)

101

Triso dermopterus(Temminck & Schlegel, 1842)
Oval Grouper
D IX, 18–21; A III, 9–12; P1 18–20;
P2 I, 5, LL 67–76; GR 8–9 + 16–18.
Body oval, compressed; its depth 2.4
to 2.7 in SL; pectoral fins asymmetrical, a well-developed scaly flap ofskin joining upper pectoral-fin rays tobody, caudal fin truncate to emarginate and the corners rounded; caudal fin
with 8 branched rays and 10 procurrent rays in upper part and, 7 branchedrays and 10 procurrent rays in lower
part. Dorsal head profile distinctly
convex and has a strongly obliquemouth and a projecting lower jaw.
Very small ctenoid scales covering thehead and body. Color: Dark brown toviolet-black with darker fins. Smaller
individuals may have a fine whitemargin on the upper part of the caudal
fin. Size: maximum total length atleast 68 cm. Distribution: Anti-tropical (anti-equatorial) in its distribution,in the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific. In Northern Hemisphereknown from Korea, Japan, Hong
Kong, and Fujian (China) and Taiwan.
Northern Gulf of Thailand is probably
Triso dermopterus, KAUM–I. 24095, 24.4 cm SL
the southernmost distribution of the
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 5 Oct. 2009
species in the Northern Hemisphere.
In Southern Hemisphere can be found (silty sand or mud) at depths of 22 to
off the coast of Western Australia and 103 m. Juveniles feed on zooplankton
off eastern Australia. Remarks: usu- in the water column.
(Y. Yusuf)
ally found on rocky or soft bottom

102

OPISTOGNATHIDAE
Jawfishes

Generally small-sized (most lessthan 12 cm total length), moderately
elongate fishes. Head bulbous. Eyerelatively large, oriented dorsolaterally. Mouth large, posterior margin of
maxilla extending well beyond eye.
Dorsal fin with IX to XII spines and
10 to 22 soft rays; shallowly notchedbetween spinous and soft-rayed portions. Anal fin with II or III spinesand 10 to 20 soft rays. Caudal andpectoral fins rounded. Pelvic fins with
I spine and 5 soft rays; outer 2 softrays unbranched and stout, inner rays
branched and weaker. Lateral line incomplete, usually ending below about
middle of dorsal fin; lateral line tubes
or canals usually embedded in skin;scales cycloid.
Color: mottled with various

dorsal fin with IX–XII, 10–22
head naked
lateral line incomplete

pelvic fins I, 5; outer 2 soft rays
unbranched, inner rays branchedshades of brown in most species.
Remarks: Occurs in shallow waters to depths of 30 m on sandy substrates in most species, from depths
exceed ing 200 m in some species. Inhabiting in burrows and usually foundwith only their heads protruding fromthe burrow. Living in small colonies

in most species, but solitude in somespecies. All species are mouth brooders. Similar families occurring in
the area: Pelvic fin characters (seeabove description) distinguish Opistognathidae from all other families(H. Motomura & U. Satapoomin)

Opistognathus macrolepis
Peters, 1866
Bigscale Jawfish
D XI, 12; A II, 11; P1 20; P2 I, 5; GR
10 + 19–21. Body elongate. Mouth
large, upper jaw short. A single row ofspaced teeth around both jaws. Two
opercular spines. Caudal and pectoral
fins rounded. Color: head and bodybrownish. Dorsal and anal fins with abrownish basal band, white medianband, and black margin. Caudal fin
black. Size: 7 cm SL. Distribution:
Indo-Pacific, from east coast of India
to Gulf of Thailand and Gulf of Carpentaria. Remarks: found on the continental shelf; over silt bottom.
(T. Yoshida)

Opistognathus macrolepis, KAUM–I. 23824, 6.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

103

PRIACANTHIDAE
Bigeyes

Medium sized (up to 36 cm) marine fishes. Body deep, laterally compressed. Eye extremely large (about
1/2 head length); upturned mouth.
Weak spine on posterior opercle andprominent to remnant spine at angleof preopercle. Branchiostegal rays 6.
Total gill rakers on first gill arch 17–
32. Dorsal fin single, with X spinesand 11–15 soft rays; spinous andsoft-rayed portions of fin continuous,
relatively short to long, soft-rayed
portion broadly rounded to broadly
pointed. Anal fin with III spines and
10–16 soft rays; soft-rayed portionof fin relatively short to long andbroadly rounded to broadly pointed.
Caudal fin rounded, emarginate, or
lunate, with 16 principal rays. Pectoral fin with 17–21 rays. Pelvic finswith I spine and 5 soft rays, broadly
attached to belly by membrane andpositioned in advance of pectoral
fins. Head and body mostly covered
with extremely adherent, rough,spiny scales. Color: head and body
generally reddish, sometimes withsilvery blotches or, in some species,
occasionally a pattern of red and sil-single dorsal fin with X, 11–15

eye very large

caudal fin not forked
pelvic fin
connected to belly
by membraneanal fin with III, 10–16

ver-white bars; fins reddish to duskyor black, occasionally yellowish insome species; some species with dark
spots or speckling on fin membranes.
Remarks: occurring near coral
reefs or rock formations but occasionally in more open areas at depths of
5–400 m, or deeper. Not important inmost fisheries but some species occasionally common in trawl catches ofsoutheast Asian waters.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Holocentridae – opercularmargin with spines; spinous and soft

portions of dorsal fin separated; anal
fin with IV spines; pelvic fin witha spine and usually 7 soft rays andnot attached to belly by membrane;
caudal fin deeply forked with 18–19
rays. Berycidae – dorsal fin withshort base, only IV–VII spines; anal
fin with IV spines; pelvic fin with
7–13 rays; caudal fin deeply forked.
Pempheridae – dorsal-fin with shortbase, IV or V spines and 8 or 9 softrays; anal fin with very long base, III
spines and 22 or more soft rays.
(M. Matsunuma)

Priacanthus macracanthus
Cuvier, 1829
Brownspot Bigeye
D X, 12–14; A III, 13–14; P1 18–19;
LLp 72–82. Body relatively deep,
ovate and compressed; anterior profileslightly asymmetrical, protruding
lower jaw tip above midline of body;
One strong spine at angle of preopercle. Caudal fin generally truncate.
Scales modified; with posterior field
elevated as a separate flange with spinules both on surface and posterioredge. Color: pinkish silver, reddish
dorsally; fins pinkish; dorsal, anal andpelvic fins with numerous rusty yellow or yellowish brown spots, being
equal to 1/ 2 of pupil diameter. Size:maximum length 35 cm. Distribution: widespread in the Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found in around the
sandy and rocky shore or open sandy
bottom. Marketed fresh, dried, salted,
and as fish balls.
(M. Matsunuma)

Priacanthus macracanthus, KAUM–I. 23145, 14.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 Sept. 2009

104

Priacanthus tayenus
Richardson, 1846
Purplespot
D X, 12–14; A III, 13–14; P1 18–19;
LLp 72–82. Body moderately deep,
laterally compressed. A strong spine atangle of preopercle. Caudal fin truncate but becoming very lunate in somemales. Scales modified; scales ofmidlateral region with elevated posterior
field reduced and lacking spinules inlarger specimens. Color: pinkish silver, reddish dorsally; fins pinkish; pelvic fins with numerous mall deep purple to inky black spots in membrane.
Size: maximum length 29 cm. Distribution: the Andaman Sea and West
Pacific. Remarks: found in aroundthe sandy and rocky shore or open
sandy bottom.
(M. Matsunuma)

Priacanthus tayenus, KAUM–I. 32803, 16.7 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

Pristigenys niphonia(Cuvier, 1829)
Japanese Bigeye
D X, 10–11; A III, 9–10; LLp 31–39;
GR 7–8 + 16–20. Body deep, withlarge scales. Large eyes. Dorsal-, pelvic-, and anal-fin spines strong. posterior tip of pelvic fin extending beyond
anal-fin origin when depressed. Lower
jaw projecting. Color: body red to
reddish orange, with 5 vertical whitebars on lateral surface of body. Fins
pinkish to reddish orange. Size: maximum length 18 cm SL. Distribution:
Western Pacific from Australia to Japan. Remarks: found on sandy bottom at depths of 80–200 m.
(T. Yoshida)

Pristigenys niphonia, KAUM–I. 23133, 11.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 Sept. 2009

105

APOGONIDAE
Cardinalfishes

Small sized (up to about 20 cm)
compressed and oblong or moderately
elongate fishes. Eyes large; mouthlarge, oblique with variable dentition;a single opercular spine. Scales usually ctenoid, but cycloid in some groups
and absent in Gymnapogon and Paxton; lateral line continuous, incomplete or absent in some groups. Two
separated dorsal fins, the first with
VI–VIII spines and the second with
one spine and 8–14 soft rays (except
for Paxton having a single dorsal fin);anal fin with II spines (except for Paxton with a single spine) and 8–18 softrays; pelvic fin I, 5; caudal fin forked,
emarginate, truncate, or rounded.
Color: variable with patterns of

2 dorsal finslarge eyeusually ctenoid
scaleslarge mouth
anal fin with II spines

lcolored stripes, reticulation, spots, ver- groups.
tical or diagonal bars, or nearly plain.
Similar families occurring in the
Remarks: chiefly inhabit marine area: Ambassidae – a single dorsal fincoastal waters, but also found in fresh but deeply notched, III anal-fin spines.
(K. Shibukawa)
and brackish water areas in some

Apogon cavitensis(Jordan & Seale, 1907)
Caviti Cardinalfish
D VII + I, 9; A II, 8; LL 24. Body oblong, moderately deep and compressed;
lateral line well developed. Snout moderately pointed. Posterior margin of
preopercle serrated. No enlarged caninoid teeth on jaws. Base of anal fin subequal to base of second dorsal fin in
length; caudal fin emarginate. Color:head and body pinkish, with narrow
yellow stripe on back; yellow to bronze
stripe with silvery white margins on
mid-laterally; small black spot (muchsmaller than pupil) on front middle ofcaudal fin, which is smaller than pupil
diameter; fins subtranslucent. Size: 8
cm SL. Distribution: western Pacificfrom Australia to Philippines. Remarks: found in silty coastal reefs to
20 m.
(M. Matsunuma)

Apogon cavitensis, KAUM–I. 47678, 6.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 July 2012

106

Apogon fasciatus(White, 1790)
Broadbanded Cardinalfish
D VII + I, 9; A II, 8; P1 15–16 (usually 16); LL 24–25; GR 2–4 + 10–14.
Body oblong, moderately deep andcompressed; lateral line well developed, extending posteriorly to caudalfin base. Snout moderately pointed.
Posterior margin of preopercle serrated. No enlarged caninoid teeth on
jaws. Base of anal fin subequal to baseof second dorsal fin in length; caudal
fin emarginate. Color: body pinkish,with two black stripes on body sides,
the upper stripe extending from snout
to the dorsal portion of the caudal-finbase, the lower stripe from snout extending onto caudal-fin margin; lower
stripe (middle stripe) without extensional bar on lower margin; fins semitranslucent to pinkish; second dorsal

Apogon fasciatus, KAUM–I. 33023, 7.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Nov. 2010

and anal fins with an indistinct reddish
brown stripe basally. Size: 5 cm SL.
Distribution: widely distributed in
the Indo-West Pacific, from the east

coast of Africa to eastern Australia
north to southern Japan. Remarks:
found in coastal waters at depths of
2–128 m.
(M. Matsunuma)

Apogon fleurieu(Lacepède, 1802)
Flower Cardinalfish
D VII+I, 9; A II, 8; P1 13–15; LL 24.
Body oblong, moderately deep andcompressed; lateral line well developed, extending posteriorly to caudalfin base. Snout moderately pointed.
Posterior margin of preopercle serrated. No enlarged caninoid teeth on
jaws. Base of anal fin subequal to baseof second dorsal fin in length; caudal
fin emarginate. Color: body bronze
dorsally, bright yellow orange ventrally; a large black spot (in young) or
broad black band (in adult), not broadened dorsally and ventrally, at posterior part of caudal peduncle; 2 brightblue longitudinal lines from snout to
operculum, as well as a similar-colored oblique line along upper jaw; asmall black spot on each lateral-line
scales; fins reddish. Size: 11 cm SL.
Distribution:
Indo-Pacific.
Remarks: inhabits coral or rocky reefs.
Very similar to A. aureus (Lacepède,1802), sometimes treated as a juniorsynonym of A. fleurieu, has a distinct
black bar (broadened dorsally andventrally, forming hourglassshaped, in
adult) forming a ring around base of
caudal fin.
(K. Shibukawa)

Apogon fleurieu, KAUM–I. 47756, 7.1 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 21 July 2012

107

Apogon gularis
Fraser & Lachner, 1984
D VI + I, 9; A II, 8; P1 14–15 (usually 14); P2 I, 5; LL 25; GR 5–7 + 16–
19. Body oblong, moderately compressed; lateral line well developed,
extending to caudal fin base. No enlarged caninoid teeth on jaws. Caudal
fin emarginate. Anus located just behind pelvic-fin origin. Color: bodysilvery pink; many yellow pigments
on snout; a horizontal black stripe
from the snout to the eye, some black
pigments on caudal-fin base. Size: 6
cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, including Red Sea, Persian Gulf,
Gulf of Oman, east to Andaman Sea
and the Philippines. Remarks: occurs
in coastal waters at depths of 60–290
m. This species is recorded for the firsttime from the Gulf of Thailand.
(T. Yoshida)

Apogon gularis, KAUM–I. 23849, 4.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

Apogon nigrocincta(Smith & Radcliffe, 1912)
D VII + I, 9; A II, 8; P1 14; LL 24;
GR 3 + 14. Body oblong, moderately
deep and compressed; lateral line welldeveloped, extending posteriorly tocaudal-fin base. Snout moderately
pointed. Posterior margin of preopercle serrated. No enlarged caninoid
teeth on jaws. Base of anal fin subequal to base of second dorsal fin in
length; caudal fin emarginate. Color:body plain light purplish brown;
brown to black stripe on snout, fromtip of lower jaw extending upper jaw
to anterior margin of eye; a verticaldark bar on caudal fin base, with small
black spot (much smaller than pupil)on middle; anterior distal margin of
first dorsal fin reddish brown to black;second dorsal and anal fins with narrow reddish brown to black stripe basally; caudal fin reddish. Size: 9 cm
SL. Distribution: Western Central
Pacific. Remarks: found in coral androcky reefs.
(M. Matsunuma)

Apogon nigrocincta, KAUM–I. 33069, 6.6 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 12 Nov. 2010

Apogon pleuron
Fraser, 2005
D VII + I, 9; A II, 8; P1 15–16 (usually 15); LL 24–25; GR 3–5 + 13–17.
Body oblong, moderately deep andcompressed; lateral line well developed, extending posteriorly to caudalfin base. Snout moderately pointed.
Posterior margin of preopercle serrated. No enlarged caninoid teeth on

Apogon pleuron, KAUM–I. 33081, 6.9 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 12 Nov. 2010

jaws. Base of anal fin subequal to baseof second dorsal fin in length; caudal
fin emarginate. Color: body pinkish,with two black stripes on body sides,
the upper stripe extending from snout
to dorsal portion of caudal-fin base,the lower stripe from snout extending

onto caudal-fin margin; lower stripe(middle stripe) with about 5–9 narrowvertical bars on lower edge. Size: 5 cm
SL. Distribution: eastern Indian Ocean
and West Central Pacific. Remarks:
found in coastal waters at depths of 3–91m.
(M. Matsunuma)

108

Apogon poecilopterus
Cuvier, 1828
Pearly-finned Cardinalfish
D VII + I, 9; A II, 8; P1 14–17; LL
27–29. Body oblong, moderately deepand compressed; lateral line well developed, extending posteriorly to caudal-fin base. Snout moderately pointed. Posterior margin of preopercle
smooth. No enlarged caninoid teeth on
jaws. Base of anal fin subequal to baseof second dorsal fin in length; caudal
fin truncate. Color: head and bodygray, darkened dorsally, shading to silvery gray ventrally; several faint horizontal wavy lines on side of body; gillchamber and first gill arch dusky; distal part of first dorsal fin dusky; second dorsal fin with some series ofsmall blackish gray spots; distal edgeof caudal fin dusky. Size: 11 cm SL.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found in inshore areas withsandy or muddy bottom. Belonging tosubgenus Jaydia.
(K. Shibukawa)

Apogon poecilopterus, KAUM–I. 47729, 9.8 cm SL
Rayong, 13 July 2012

Apogon semilineatus
Temminck & Schlegel, 1842
D VII + I, 9; A II, 8; P1 14; LL 27;
GR 6–7 + 16–19 = 23–26. Body oblong, moderately deep and compressed; lateral line well developed,
extending to caudal-fin base. No enlarged caninoid teeth on jaws. Caudal
fin emarginate. Color: body lightpink, with two black stripes; one fromsnout to opercular margin througheye; the other from snout to end of
second dorsal-fin base; black spot on
caudal-fin base. Size: 11 cm SL. Distribution: Western Pacific Remarks:
inhabits rocky reef.
(T. Yoshida)

Apogon semilineatus, KAUM–I. 23143, 9.4 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 Sept. 2009

Apogon smithi(Kotthaus, 1970)
D VII + I, 9; A II, 8; P1 15–17; LL
26–28; GR 3–5 + 10–13 = 13–17.
Body oblong, lateral line well developed, extending to caudal-fin base. No
enlarged caninoid teeth on jaws. Baseof anal fin subequal to base of second
dorsal fin in length; caudal fin rounded. Color: body silvery white; bodywith 4–6 blackish bars; distal half offirst dorsal fin black; blackish band

Apogon smithi, KAUM–I. 33233, 8.9 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010

along the base of second dorsal fin;pelvic and anal fins pale. Size: 10 cm
SL. Distribution: eastern Indian Ocean
and West Central Pacific. Remarks:
Apogon smithi is similar to A. truncates,

but the former differs in having no stripeon the anal fin (vs. dark stripe along
middle of anal fin)(Gon, 1997). Foundon sandy and muddy bottoms. Belonging to subgenus Jaydia. (T. Yoshida)

109

Apogon striatodes
Gon, 1997
D VII + I, 9; A II, 8; P1 15–16; LL 27;
GR 4–5 + 12–14 = 16–19. Body oblong, lateral line well developed, extending to caudal-fin base. No enlarged caninoid teeth on jaws. Caudal
fin rounded. Color: head and bodysilvery white; body with 7–11 blackish bars; dorsal and caudal fins pale
black; distal half of anal fin black.
Size: 6 cm SL. Distribution: west
coast of Thailand, Gulf of Thailand,Hong Kong, Philippines. Remarks:
belonging to subgenus Jaydia.
(T. Yoshida)

Apogon striatodes, KAUM–I. 47706, 8.9 cm SL
Rayong, 11 July 2012

Apogon truncatus
Bleeker, 1854
Flagfin Cardinalfish
D VII + I, 9; A II, 8; P1 16–17; LL 25;
GR 1 + 10. Body oblong, moderately
deep; lateral line well developed, extending posteriorly to caudal-fin base.
Snout blunt. Posterior margin of preopercle serrated. No enlarged caninoid
teeth on jaws. Base of anal fin subequal to base of second dorsal fin in
length; caudal fin rounded. Color:body silvery white, darkish dorsally;
4–6 indistinct dark bars on body sides;
a dark bar on cheek; distal half of 1st
dorsal fin black; 2nd dorsal fin white,with black stripe marginally, a black
stripe on middle; anal fin white with ablack stripe on basally; caudal fin withblack margin, white submarginally,yellowish basally. Size: 12 cm SL.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found in sandy mud bottoms
at depths of 50–80 m. Belonging tosubgenus Jaydia.
(M. Matsunuma)

Apogon truncatus, KAUM–I. 47703, 8.1 cm SL
Rayong, 11 July 2012

Apogonichthyoides niger(Döderlein, 1883)
D VII + I, 9; A II, 8; P1 15; LLp 26;
GR 2 + 8. Body oblong, deep andcompressed; lateral line well developed, extending posteriorly to caudal
fin base. Snout blunt. Posterior marginof preopercle serrated. No enlarged
caninoid teeth on jaws. Base of anal
fin subequal to base of second dorsal
fin in length; posterior tip of pelvic fin
extending beyond anal fin origin when
depressed; caudal fin slightly emarginate. Color: head and body dusky

Apogonichthyoides niger, KAUM–I. 33210, 5.4 cm SL
Ang Sila, 26 Nov. 2010

gray, darker dorsally; eye pale yellow. nus Apogonichthyoides, previously
Size: 10 cm SL. Distribution: West treated as synonym of Apogon.
Central Pacific. Remarks: Fraser &(M. Matsunuma)
Allen (2010) placed this species in ge-

110Archamia bleekeri(Günther, 1859)
D VI + I, 9; A II, 15–17; P1 14; LL
28–29; GR 5–7 + 15–18. Body oblong, moderately deep and compressed; lateral line well developed,
extending to caudal-fin base. No enlarged caninoid teeth on jaws. Caudal
fin emarginate. Anal-fin base longer
than 2nd dorsal-fin base. Color: bodysilvery pink; many yellow pigmentson head; black spot on caudal-fin base.
Size: 6 cm SL. Distribution: IndoWest Pacific. Remarks: found on
reefs, and sandy and muddy bottoms
at 3–21 m.
(T. Yoshida)

Archamia bleekeri, KAUM–I. 33033, 6.0 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 8 Nov. 2010

Archamia fucata(Canton, 1849)
Orangelined Cardinalfish
D VI + I, 9; A II, 15–17; P1 13–15;
LLp 25. Body oblong, moderately
deep and compressed; lateral line welldeveloped, extending posteriorly tocaudal fin base. Snout moderately
pointed. Posterior margin (at least
posteroventral corner) of preopercle
serrated. No enlarged caninoid teeth
on jaws. Base of anal fin longer thanbase of second dorsal fin in length;
caudal fin emarginate. Scaly sheathdeveloped around base of anal fin.
Color: body translucent gray with alarge black spot (near eye-sized) at
caudal fin base; 20–23 narrow, curved
oblique orange lines on body; finslargely transparent. Size: 7 cm SL.
Distribution:
Indo-Pacific. Remarks: inhabits coral and rocky reefs.
(K. Shibukawa)

Archamia fucata, KAUM–I. 47698, 7.8 cm SL
Rayong, 11 July 2012

111

SILLAGINIDAE

Sillago (Smelt, Whitings)
Moderate-sized (up to 70 cm)
elongate perciform fishes. Opercle
with small sharp spine; lower part ofpreopercle horizontal. Snout long andconical. Mouth small, terminal; endof upper jaw sliding below preorbitalbone. Teeth villiform, in broad bands;
small teeth on roof of mouth restricted
to anterior part of vomer, none on palatines. Two separate dorsal fins, thefirst with 9–12 slender spines; the second with I spine and 16–27 soft rays;
anal fin long, with II weak spines and
14–27 soft rays; caudal fin emarginate. Scales small, ctenoid; lateral line
slightly arched. Swimbladder absent
or vestigial to highly complex withvarious extensions.

2 dorsal fins
1 opercular spine

ctenoid scales
small terminal
mouth

Color: silvery to sandy gray or
green, sometimes with black spots onbody and pectoral fin base.
Remarks: bottom-dwelling,
schooling fishes; found in inshore
brackish estuaries and shallow coastal
waters.
Similar families occurring in theanal fin with II, 14–27

area: Branchiostegidae – a single
continuous dorsal fin; mouth large
with fleshy lips. Pinguipedidae – dorsal fin spines short; spinous dorsal finsometimes joined to soft dorsal fin;pelvic fin base in advance of pectoral
fin base.
(M. Matsunuma)

Sillago aeolus
Jordan & Evermann, 1902
Oriental Sillago
D XI + I, 18–20; A II, 17–19; LL
67–72. Body elongate, subcylindrical,
covered with ctenoid scales. First pelvic-fin ray normal, not thickened clublike structure; caudal fin slightly
forked with rounded tips. Swimbladder with 3 rudimentary anterolateralextensions instead of 4; no divided
posterior extension. Color: body silvery, with scattered dark brown elongate blotches on body sides; pelvic fin
yellowish; caudal fin dusky. Size: 30
cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.
Remarks: found in coastal inshore
waters.
(M. Matsunuma)

Sillago aeolus, KAUM–I. 24036, 13.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Oct. 2009

Sillago sihama(Forsskål, 1775)
Silver Sillago
D XI + I, 20–23; A II, 21–23; LL
66–72. Body elongate, subcylindrical.
First pelvic-fin ray normal; caudal fintruncate to almost rounded. Swimbladder with 2 anterior extensions extending forward and diverging to terminate on each side of the basioccipital;
2 lateral extensions commence anteriorly; 2 posterior tapering extensions of
the swimbladder project into caudal
region. Color: body silvery, brownish

Sillago sihama, KAUM–I. 32990, 13.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Nov. 2010

dorsally; no markings on body sides;
pelvic fin yellow; distal margin of anal
fin broadly yellow; caudal fin brownish. Size: 30 cm. Distribution: IndoWest Pacific. Remarks: found in inshore coastal waters. (M. Matsunuma)

112

RACHYCENTRIDAE
Cobia

This family represented by a single species; see the following species
account.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Echeneidae – dorsal fin
spines absent. Sucking disc present.
Carangidae – II detached spines infront of anal fin.
(H. Motomura)

Rachycentron canadum(Linnaeus, 1766)

dorsal-fin spines isolated
dorsal-fin soft rays 26–33

head broad anddepressed

small scales embeddedin thick skinanal-fin soft rays 22–28

Rachycentron canadum, KAUM–I. 32837, 26.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

Cobia
D VII–IX, 26–33; A II–III, 22–28; P1
21–22; P2 I, 5. Body elongate, subcylindrical, body depth 5.6–8.0 in standard length. Head broad and depressed; sucking disc absent. Dorsal
fin spines short, not connected by amembrane; longest dorsal fin soft rays
shorter than longest anal fin soft rays.
Caudal fin truncate in young, progressively more emarginate with growth.

Pectoral fins pointed, becoming more
falcate with growth. Scales small, embedded in thick skin; lateral line
slightly wavy anteriorly. Color: bodygrayish to blackish dorsally, whitish tograyish ventrally, with a pale graystripe from front of snout through eye
to upper caudal peduncle and a faintdark stripe on lower side of trunk.

Size: maximum total length about 2
m. Distribution: circumglobal intropical to warm temperate seas, except for the eastern Pacific. Remarks:
semipelagic, but also found over shallow coral and rocky reefs, occasionally in estuaries. Occurs more in continental than insular waters.
(H. Motomura)

113

ECHENEIDAE
RemorasMedium-sized (up to 90 cm),
elongate and fusiform fishes. Headwide, depressed; a transversely
laminated, oval-shaped cephalicdisc. Opercle without spines. 8–11
branchiostegal; rays. Dorsal fin with
18–45 soft rays. Anal fin with 18–41;
dorsal and anal fin bases long, lacking spines. Caudal fin slightly forked,
emarginate, or slightly rounded in
adults; with elongate median caudal
fin filament in juveniles of some species. Pectoral fin with 18–32 rays.
Pelvic fin with I spine and 5 soft
rays. Scales small, cycloid, usuallyembedded in skin. No swimbladder. Color: body brown, grayish to

Echeneis naucrates
Linnaeus, 1758

oval-shaped cephalic discwith transverse laminae
small cycloid scales
dorsal and anal fins without spines

black, sometimes whitish, with lightand dark longitudinal stripes on trunk.
Remarks: attaching to otherfishes, cetaceans, sea turtles, whales,or dolphins with a sucking disc onhead; a great preference or specificity
toward certain hosts in some species.
Feeds on parasitic copepods attached
to a host and food scraps dropped by

the host. No commercial importance,but some species are taken in coastal
fisheries along with other fishes andsold in local markets.
Similar families occurring in
the area: no other family of fishes
has a sucking disc on dorsally on thehead.
(H. Motomura)

Echeneis naucrates, KAUM–I. 33131, 32.9 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

Sharksucker
D 34–42; A 31–41; P1 21–24; P2 I, 5;
LGR 11–16. Body elongate, body
depth 8–14 in standard length. Sucking disc large, with 18–28 laminae.
Caudal fin lanceolate in young, middle rays elongate and filamentous; almost truncate in adults, with upper andlower lobes longer than middle rays.

Pectoral fins pointed. Color: bodygray to blackish, with a white-edged
black stripe from tip of lower jaw tocaudal fin base. Upper and lower margins of fins whitish in juveniles. Pectoral fins blackish. Pelvic fins grayish
to whitish. Size: maximum standard
length about 1 m. Distribution: cir-

cumglobal in tropical to warm temperate seas, except for Pacific coast of
America. Remarks: attaching temporarily to a wide variety of hosts such as
sharks, sea turtles and ships. Often
found free-swimming and occurringinshore waters.
(H. Motomura)

114

CARANGIDAE

Jacks (Scads, Trevallies)
Medium to large sized marine
fishes; maximum size about 2 m.
Body shape extremely variable,
ranging from elongate and fusiform
to deep and strongly compressed.
Adipose eyelid developed in somespecies; jaw teeth small, villiform,or absent in some species. Two dorsal fins, the first with IV–VIII spines(obsolete or embedded in adult ofsome species) and the second with
one spine and 17–44 soft rays; anal
fin usually with III spines, the anterior two (rarely only one) detachedfrom the rest of the fin (becoming
embedded in adults of some species), and 15–39 soft rays; caudal
fin forked; pectoral fin usually long,extending beyond a vertical throughsecond dorsal-fin origin except forsome species; pelvic fin I, 5. Scales
small cycloid in most species; scutespresent and prominent on the lateralline in most species, but reduced insome species and absent in some
genera. Vertebral counts 24–27.
Color: body silvery, darker(brownish or greenish) dorsally, paler

2 dorsal fins
IV–VIIII, 17–44
caudal fin forked

cycloid scales

anal fin with III, 15–39
anterior 2 anal-fin
spines detachedventrally; dark bars or spots on body,and/or yellowish fins in some species.
Remarks: occurring in tropicalto temperate marine, estuarine, andsometimes freshwater areas. Almost
all species having commercial importance.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Carangidae is distinguished fromthe following similar families in having
2 detached anal fin spines (sometimes
completely embedded in adults inseveral genera), and enlarged scutes
usually along at least posterior lateral line. Centrolophidae and Lactariidae – no detached anal fin spine; noscutes in the lateral line. Scombridae– dorsal-fin spines IX–XXVII; no detached anal fin spine; no scutes in thelateral line. Stromateid genus Pampus
very similar to Parastromateus niger
in body shape, but the former lacking
a lateral keel of scutes at caudal peduncle.
(S. Kimura)

Alectis ciliaris(Bloch, 1787)
African Pompano
D IV–VII (embedded) + I, 18–20; A
II (embedded) + I, 15–17; GR 4–6 +12–17 = 18–22; V 10 + 14. Body deep,strongly compressed, diamond shapedin juvenile, becoming more elongatedwith growth; profile of forehead tonape rounded; anterior soft rays of
dorsal and anal fins very long, filamentous in juveniles; pelvic fins elongated in juveniles; body superficiallynaked, scales minute and embedded
where present; straight part of lateralline with scutes (8–30) only posteriAlectis ciliaris, KAUM–I. 32817, 13.2 cm SL
orly. Color: body silvery bluish or
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Oct. 2010
grayish dorsally, silvery white ventrally; 5 chevron-shaped blackish
bands on body in juveniles; a black
botch at base of anterior soft portion wide in tropical seas. Remarks: ocof dorsal fin. Size: maximum length curring in coastal waters; feeds mainly
about 150 cm. Distribution: world- on fishes and crustaceans. (S. Kimura)

115

Alectis indicus(Rüppell, 1830)
Indian Threadfish
D V–VI (embedded) + I, 18–20; A II
(embedded) + I, 15–17; GR 7–11 +21–26 = 29–37; V 10 + 14. Body deep,strongly compressed, diamond shapedin juvenile, becoming more elongatedwith growth; profile of forehead tonape somewhat angular; anterior softrays of dorsal and anal fins very long,
filamentous in juveniles; pelvic finselongated in juveniles; body superficially naked, scales minute and embedded where present; straight part oflateral line with scutes (6–13) only
posteriorly. Color: body silvery greenish or grayish dorsally, silvery whiteventrally; dark bands on body in juveniles; anal fin yellowish. Size: maximum length about 160 cm. Distribution: widely in Indo-West Pacific,
from East Africa to New Guinea, northto southern Japan. Remarks: occurring in coastal waters; feeds mainly on
fishes, squids, and crustaceans.
(S. Kimura)

Alectis indicus, KAUM–I. 32875, 14.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 27 Oct. 2010

Alepes djedaba(Forsskål, 1775)
Shrimp Scad
D VIII + I, 23–26; A II + I, 18–21;
GR 10–14 + 25–33 = 35–47; V 10 +14. Body oblong, compressed; dorsal
and ventral profiles almost equallyconvex; snout pointed; adipose eyelid
well developed on posterior half ofeye; a single row of small slender
teeth on both jaws; straight part of lateral line almost entirely with scutes(39–51 following 0–3 cycloid scales),longer than curved part (31–36 cycloid scales + 0–3 scutes). Color:body silvery blue dorsally, silvery
white ventrally; a distinct black spot
on upper margin of opercle. Size:maximum length about 40 cm. Distribution: widely in Indo-Pacific, from
East Africa to Hawaii, north to southern Japan, south to Australia. Remarks: occurring in coastal waters;
feeds mainly on crustaceans and small
fishes.
(S. Kimura)oval, strongly compressed; ventral
profile more convex than dorsal profile. Snout pointed; adipose eyelid
well developed on posterior half ofeye; upper jaw with a band of minute
Alepes kleinii
teeth; lower jaw with a single row of(Bloch, 1793)
small conical teeth except 2 rows anteBanded Scadriorly. Straight part of lateral line enD VIII + I, 23–26; A II + I, 19–22; tirely with scutes (35–45), longer thanGR 9–12 + 27–32 = 38–44. Body curved part. Color: body silvery green

Alepes djedaba, KAUM–I. 47352, 13.0 cm SL
Ang Sila, 8 June 2012

Alepes kleinii, KAUM–I. 32717, 8.5 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 22 Oct. 2010

dorsally, silvery white ventrally; alarge black spot on upper margin of
opercle; caudal fin yellowish especially in juvenile. Size: maximum length
about 20 cm. Distribution: Indo-West
Pacific, from Pakistan to Papua New
Guinea and Australia. Remarks: occurring in coastal waters. Feeds mainly on planktonic crustaceans and fishes.
(S. Kimura)

116

Alepes melanoptera(Swainson, 1839)
Blackfin Scad
D VIII + I, 23–26; A II + I, 18–21;
GR 7–9 + 17–24 = 24–30; V 10 + 14.
Body deep, compressed; dorsal andventral profiles almost equally convex; snout rounded; adipose eyelid
well developed on posterior half ofeye; a single row of small slendercurved teeth on both jaws; straightpart of lateral line almost entirely withscutes (49–69 following 0–4 cycloid
scales), longer than curved part (31–50 cycloid scales + 0–2 scutes). Color: body silvery blue or green dorsally, silvery white ventrally; a large
black spot on upper margin of opercle;
first dorsal fin black. Size: maximum
length about 25 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, from the Persian Gulf
to western Indonesia, north to southern China. Remarks: occurring in inshore waters; feeds mainly on shrimps
and copepods.
(S. Kimura)

Alepes melanoptera, KAUM–I. 33065, 11.8 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 12 Nov. 2010

Alepes vari
(Cuvier, 1833)

Alepes vari, KAUM–I. 33091, 18.0 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 13 Nov. 2010

Herring Scad
D VIII + I, 23–27; A II + I, 20–23;
GR 9–12 + 23–27 = 32–38; V 10 + 14.
Body oblong, compressed; dorsal andventral profiles almost equally convex; snout pointed; adipose eyelid
well developed on posterior half ofeye; a single row of small slendercurved teeth on both jaws; straightpart of lateral line almost entirely withscutes (48–69 following 0–7 cycloid
scales), longer than curved part (42–50 cycloid scales + 0–2 scutes). Color: body silvery blue or green dorsally, silvery white ventrally; a diffuse
dark spot on upper margin of opercle.
Size: maximum length about 50 cm.
Distribution: widely in Indo-West
Pacific, from Red Sea to northern Australia, north to southern Japan. Remarks: occurring in shallow waters;
feeds mainly on shrimps and fishes.
(S. Kimura)

Atropus atropos(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Cleftbelly Trevally
D VIII + I, 19–22; A II + I, 17–18;
GR 8–11 + 19–23 = 29–34; V 10 + 14.
Body deep, ovate, strongly compressed;
nape strongly convex; a deep mid-

Atropus atropos, KAUM–I. 47765, 10.6 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 21 July 2012ventral groove on belly, accommodating pelvic fins and anal-fin spines;
adipose eyelid not developed; upper
jaw with a narrow band of small teeth,
lower jaw with a single series of small
teeth; central rays of second dorsal
and anal fins produced into filaments
in adult male; pelvic fins long; straightpart of lateral line entirely with scutes(31–37), longer than curved part. Color: body bluish green dorsally, silvery
ventrally; pelvic fins black. Size:maximum length about 50 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, from Arabian Gulf to Philippines, north tosouthern Japan. Remarks: occurringin shallow waters; feeds mainly on
shrimps and copepods. (S. Kimura)

117

Atule mate
(Cuvier, 1833)
Yellowtail Scad
D VIII + I, 22–25; A II + I, 18–21;
GR 10–13 + 24–31 = 36–44; V 10 +14. Body elongate oval, moderately
compressed; dorsal and ventral profiles almost equally convex; snout
pointed; adipose eyelid well developed and completely covering eye except for a vertical slit centered on pupil; shoulder girdle (cleithrum) marginsmooth; last rays of dorsal and anal
fins about twice as long as penultimate
rays and more separated; straight partof lateral line almost entirely withscutes (36–49), shorter than curved
part. Color: body silvery olive-green
dorsally, silvery white ventrally; ablack spot posteriorly on opercle; caudal fin yellow. Size: maximum length

Atule mate, KAUM–I. 23464, 14.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009about 30 cm. Distribution: widely in
Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Hawaii. Remarks: occurring in schools
at depths to about 50 m. (S. Kimura)

Carangoides hedlandensis(Whitley, 1934)
Bumpnose Trevally
D VIII + I, 19–22; A II + I, 16–18;
GR 6–11 + 14–17 = 20–27; V 10 + 14.
Body deep, strongly compressed; dorsal contour of forehead convex, with“bump” on interorbital space; breast
widely naked to pectoral fin base andbehind insertion of pelvic fins, but naked area not extending above pectoral
fin base; second dorsal- and anal-fin
soft rays produced into filaments inadult males; straight part of lateral line
shorter than curved part, with 17–29
week scutes posteriorly. Color: bodysilvery blue-gray or green-gray dorsally, silvery white ventrally; a black
spot on upper margin of opercle; caudal fin yellowish. Size: maximum
length about 30 cm. Distribution:
widely in Indo-Pacific, from South
Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan. Remarks: occurring in coastal
waters.
(S. Kimura)

Carangoides hedlandensis, KAUM–I. 47427, 18.2 cm SL
off Tha Chana (SP), 18 June 2012

118

Carangoides malabaricus(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Malabar Trevally
D VIII + I, 20–23; A II + I, 17–19;
GR 7–12 + 21–27 = 32–38; V 10 + 14.
Body ovate, strongly compressed;
dorsal profile more strongly convex
than ventral profile; naked area ofbreast very wide, extending dorsallybeyond pectoral fin base and posteriorly beyond insertion of pelvic fins,usually extending to anal-fin origin;straight part of lateral line shorter thancurved part, with 19–36 week scutes
posteriorly. Color: body silvery bluegray dorsally, silvery white ventrally,
dark or black blotch on upper marginof opercle. Size: maximum length
about 60 cm. Distribution: widely in
Indo-West Pacific, from South Africa
to northern Australia, north to southern Japan. Remarks: occurring incoastal waters.
(S. Kimura)

Carangoides malabaricus, KAUM–I. 32969, 16.2 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 1 Nov. 2010

Carangoides praeustus(Bennett, 1830)
Brownback Trevally
D VIII + I, 21–24; A II + I, 18–20;
GR 9–11 + 22–26 = 32–37. Body
elongated, compressed, somewhat
slender; dorsal and ventral profiles almost equally convex. Small conicalteeth irregularly arranged in a row onboth jaws; vomerine tooth patch arrowheadshaped with a long posterior
extension. Breast usually scaled completely; straight part of lateral linewith 4–12 scales followed by 23–34
scutes. Color: body silvery blue-graydorsally, silvery white ventrally; tip ofanterior rays of second dorsal fin jetblack distally with white margin; caudal fin yellow. Size: maximum length
about 22 cm. Distribution: Indo-West
Pacific, from Persian Gulf to Philippines and Indonesia. Remarks: occurring in coastal waters.
(S. Kimura)

Caranx sexfasciatus
Quoy & Gaimard, 1825
Bigeye Trevally
D VIII + I, 19–22; A II + I, 14–17;
GR 6–8 + 15–19 = 21–25; V 10 + 15.
Body oblong, compressed; dorsal profile moderately convex anteriorly,
ventral profile slightly convex; adipose eyelid developed on posterior
half of eye; posterior end of upper jaw
extending to or beyond posterior mar-

Carangoides praeustus, KAUM–I. 23463, 10.7 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009

Caranx sexfasciatus, KAUM–I. 33089, 20.8 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 13 Nov. 2010

gin of eye; breast completely scaled;straight part of lateral line almost entirely with scutes (27–36). Color:body silvery yellowish-green dorsally,
silvery white ventrally; small black
opercular spot; anal and caudal fins
yellowish; scutes dark or black. Size:maximum length about 120 cm. Distribution: widely in Indo-Pacific andtropical eastern Pacific Ocean. Remarks: found in coastal waters; juveniles occurring in brackish waters;
feeds mainly on fishes and crustacea
ns.
(S. Kimura)119

Decapterus russelli(Rüppell, 1830)
Indian Scad
D VIII + I, 27–32 + 1; A II + I, 24–
28 + 1; GR 10–14 + 30–39 = 41–53; V
10 + 14. Body elongate, slender, cylindrical; adipose eyelid well developed
and completely covering eye except
for a vertical slit centered on pupil;
posterior end of maxilla almost truncate; predorsal scaled area not reaching to level of center of eye; shoulder
girdle (cleithrum) margin with 2 small
papillae; a single detached finlet indorsal and anal fins; straight part oflateral line usually entirely with scutes(30–40), but rarely a few cycloid
scales anteriorly. Color: body bluishgray dorsally, silvery ventrally; a black
spot posteriorly on opercle. Size: maximum length about 30 cm SL. Distribution: widely in Indo-West Pacific, from
East Africa to eastern Australia, northto southern Japan. Remarks: inhabit
in inshore waters up to 100 m depth.
(S. Kimura)

Gnathanodon speciosus(Forsskål, 1775)
Golden Trevally
D VII–VIII + I, 18–21; A II + I, 15–
17; GR 7–9 + 19–22 = 27–30; V 10 +14. Body oblong, somewhat deep;
compressed; both jaws without teethin adults, a few feeble teeth on lower
jaw in juveniles; lips fleshy and remarkably thick; breast completely
scaled; straight part of lateral line withscutes (17–26) posteriorly, shorter
than curved part. Color: body silvery
yellow with 7–11 black vertical bands,
usually alternating broad and narrowin juveniles and young adults; the firstband oblique through eye; all fins yellow, caudal fin tips black. Size: maximum length about 120 m. Distribution: widely in Indo-Pacific from East
Africa to Tuamotu Islands, including
Hawaii, and tropical eastern Pacific
Ocean, from Mexico to Peru. Remarks: occurs in deep lagoon andseaward reefs; feeds mainly on crustaceans and small fishes. (S. Kimura)

Decapterus russelli, KAUM–I. 33135, 17.6 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

Gnathanodon speciosus, KAUM–I. 32932, 4.3 cm SL
Ang Sila, 30 Oct. 2010

Megalaspis cordyla, KAUM–I. 33026, 15.5 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 7 Nov. 2010

+ 6–8; GR 8–11 + 18–22 = 26–32; V
10 + 14. Body elongate, somewhat compressed; caudal peduncle depressed;
adipose eyelid well developed andcompletely covering eye except for a
vertical slit centered on pupil; shoulder girdle (cleithrum) margin smoothMegalaspis cordyla
without papillae; several detached fin(Linnaeus, 1758)
lets in dorsal and anal fins; straight
Torped Scadpart of lateral line entirely with large
D VIII + I, 9–11 + 7–9; A II + I, 8–10 scutes (51–59), much longer thancurved part; scutes on caudal peduncle
forming a lateral keel. Color: bodysilvery brownish-green dorsally, silvery white ventrally; a large black spot
posteriorly on opercle. Size: maximum length about 80 cm. Distribution: widely in Indo-West Pacific,
from East Africa to Fiji, north tosouthern Japan. Remarks: pelagic,
schooling fish; feeds mainly on fishes.
(S. Kimura)

120

Parastromateus niger(Bloch, 1795)
Black Pomfret
D IV–V + I, 40–45; A II + I, 35–39;
GR 5–7 + 13–16; V 10 + 14. Body
deep, rhomboidal, strongly compressed;
dorsal and anal profiles equally muchconvex; mouth small, terminal; a single row of small conical teeth on both
jaws; spinous portion of dorsal fin anddetached anal-fin spines embedded,
not seen in adults; pelvic fins absent inyoung and adults (> 10 cm FL), present at jugular anterior to pectoral-finbase in juvenile; straight part of lateralline much shorter than curved part,with 8–19 week scutes. Color: bodydark brown or black uniformly. Size:maximum length about 75 cm. Distribution: widely in Indo-West Pacific,
from East Africa to northern Australia.
Remarks: inhabits coastal waters
with muddy bottom; feeds on zooplankton.
(S. Kimura)Parastromateus niger, KAUM–I. 32832, 10.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

Scomberoides commersonnianus
Lacepède, 1801
Talang Queenfish
D VI–VII + I, 19–21; A II + I, 16–19;
GR 0–3 + 7–12 = 8–15; V 10 + 16.
Body oblong, somewhat deep, strongScomberoides commersonianus, KAUM–I. 32684, 15.0 cm SL
ly compressed; no caudal peduncle
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 22 Oct. 2010
groove; posterior tip of upper jaw extending well beyond a vertical throughposterior margin of eye in adults; tworows of small conical teeth and 1–2
symphyseal canines on lower jaw;
body covered with broadly lanceolate
scales; no scutes along lateral line.
Color: body blue-greenish gray dorsally, silvery white ventrally, with aseries of 6–8 dusky roundish blotches
dorsolaterally in adults; dorsal andcaudal fins uniformly dusky; anal andpelvic fins whitish in young. Size:maximum length about 120 cm. Distribution: widely in Indo-West PacifScomberoides tala, KAUM–I. 23461, 12.9 cm SL
ic, from East Africa to Australia. ReGulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009
marks: inhabit shallow coastal waters
to offshore areas; feeds on mainly groove; posterior tip of upper jaw ex- dorsolaterally in adults; dorsal andfishes.
(S. Kimura) tending well beyond a vertical through caudal fins uniformly dusky; anal andposterior margin of eye in adults; two pelvic fins whitish in young. Size:
Scomberoides talarows of small conical teeth and 1–2 maximum length about 120 cm. Dis(Cuvier, 1832)
symphyseal canines on lower jaw; tribution: widely in Indo-West PacifNeedlescaled Queenfish
body covered with broadly lanceolate ic, from East Africa to Australia. ReD VI–VII + I, 19–21; A II + I, 16–19; scales; no scutes along lateral line. marks: inhabit shallow coastal waters
GR 0–3 + 7–12 = 8–15; V 10 + 16. Color: body blue-greenish gray dor- to offshore areas; feeds on mainly
Body oblong, somewhat deep, strong- sally, silvery white ventrally, with a fishes.
(S. Kimura)ly compressed; no caudal peduncle series of 6–8 dusky roundish blotches

121

Scomberoides tol(Cuvier, 1832)
Barred Queenfish
D VI–VII + I, 19–21; A II + I, 18–22;
GR 4–7 + 17–20 = 21–26; V 10 + 16.
Body slender, strongly compressed;
posterior tip of upper jaw not reaching
to a vertical through posterior marginof eye in adults; dentary with 2 teeth
rows separated by a shallow groove in
adults, teeth in both rows almost same
sized; body covered with slender, needle-like scales; no scutes along lateralline. Color: body blue-greenish graydorsally, silvery white ventrally, witha series of 5–8 oblong dark blotches
laterally in adults; lobe of second dorsal fin black. Size: maximum length
about 60 cm. Distribution: widely in
Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Fiji,north to southern Japan, south tonorthern Australia. Remarks: found incoastal waters; feeds on mainly fishes.
(S. Kimura)

Scomberoides tol, KAUM–I. 32794, 13.6 cm SL
Chang Island, 25 Oct. 2010

Selar boops(Cuvier, 1833)
Oxeye Scad

Selar boops, KAUM–I. 47452, 16.0 cm SL

D VIII + I, 23–25; A II + I, 19–21;
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 20 June 2012
GR 8–12 + 25–29; V 10 + 14. Body
elongated and compressed; eye verylarge; adipose eyelid well developed
and completely covering eye except
for a vertical slit centered on pupil;shoulder girdle (cleithrum) margin
with upper (small) and lower (large)
papillae; dorsal and anal fins without
detached finlets; straight part of lateralline almost entirely covered by relatively large scutes (37–46), longer
than curved part. Color: body bluegreen dorsally, silvery white ventrally,
with a narrow yellow longitudinal
stripe from border of opercle to caudal
peduncle. Size: maximum length
Selaroides leptolepis, KAUM–I. 32716, 8.1 cm SL
about 25 cm FL. Distribution: IndoGulf of Thailand (SS), 22 Oct. 2010
West Pacific, from Pakistan to Solomon Islands; East Atlantic (Portugal).
Remarks: feeds mainly on planktonic pose eyelid well developed on poste- trally, with a broad longitudinal yelor benthic crustaceans. (S. Kimura) rior half of eye; no teeth on upper jaw, low stripe from upper margin of eye toa single row of minute teeth on lower caudal peduncle; upper opercle with ajaw; shoulder girdle (cleithrum) mar- prominent black spot. Size: maximum
Selaroides leptolepis
gin smooth without papillae; dorsal length about 22 cm. Distribution: In(Cuvier, 1833)
and anal fins without finlets; straight do-West Pacific, from Persian Gulf toYellowstripes Scadpart of lateral line with 13–25 cycloid eastern Australia. Remarks: inhabits
D VIII + I, 24–26; A II + I, 20–23; scales followed by 24–29 relatively soft bottom area at depths shallower
GR 10–14 + 27–32 = 40–46; V 10 + small scutes. Color: body metallic than 50 m.
(S. Kimura)
14. Body oblong, compressed; adi- blue-green dorsally, silvery white ven-

122

Seriolina nigrofasciata(Rüppell, 1829)
Blackbanded Trevally
D VII–VIII + I, 30–37; A II + I, 15–
18; GR 4–10; V 11 + 13. Body elongate, slightly compressed; posterior
tip of upper jaw broadly rounded,reaching to a vertical through posterior margin of eye; teeth on both jaws
minute, forming a broad band; gillrakers on first gill arch consisting
mostly of rudiments; caudal peduncle
with fleshy lateral keel and dorsal andventral grooves; no scutes. Color:body dark brown, paler below, with
5–7 black oblique bands dorsolaterally; tips of dorsal and anal fin lobes
whitish. Size: maximum length about
70 cm. Distribution: widely in IndoWest Pacific, from East Africa to Australia, north to southern Japan. Remarks: found mainly in offshore
reefs; feeds on benthic fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods. (S. Kimura)

Seriolina nigrofasciata, KAUM–I. 47433, 24.8 cm SL
off Tha Chana (SP), 18 June 2012

Ulua mentalis(Cuvier, 1833)
Whitemouth JackD VIII + I, 21–22; A II + I, 17–18;
GR 23–27 + 51–61 = 74–86; V 10 +14. Body deep, strongly compressed;
dorsal profile strongly convex inadults; breast widely naked to pectoral
fin base and insertion of pelvic fins;teeth on both jaws small, pointed in asingle row in adults, or in a irregularrow or a narrow band in juveniles;
posterior 2 or 3 spines in first dorsal
fin and detached anal fin spines usually embedded; straight part of lateralline almost entirely with 24–39 scutes.
Color: body silvery blue-green dorsally, silvery white ventrally; juveniles
with 7–8 dark bands laterally. Size:maximum length 1 m. Distribution:
widely in Indo-West Pacific, fromSouth Africa to northeastern Australia,
north to southern Japan. Remarks:
occurring in shallow coastal waters.
(S. Kimura)

Uraspis uraspis(Günther, 1860)
Whitemouth JackD VIII + I, 25–30; A II + I, 17–22;
GR 5–7 + 13–16 = 18–22; V 10+14.
Body ovate, somewhat deep, compressed; dorsal profile more strongly
convex than ventral profile. Lower

Ulua mentalis, KAUM–I. 33130, 31.7 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

Uraspis uraspis, KAUM–I. 47432, 15.4 cm SL
off Tha Chana (SP), 18 June 2012

jaw projecting in adults, gill rakers
very long, entering into mouth. Breast
widely naked to pectoral fin base andbehind insertion of pelvic fins. Straightpart of lateral line entirely with 26–38
scutes. Color: body silvery bluishblack dorsally, metallic dark brownventrally; oral cavity black except
white tongue, roof and floor of mouth.

Size: maximum length 28 cm FL. Distribution: widely distributed in IndoPacific, from Red Sea to Hawaii, northto southern Japan, south to northern
Australia. Remarks: occurring incontinental shelf. Feeds on crustaceans and cephalopods. Marketed fre
sh.
(S. Kimura)

123

MENIDAE
MoonfishThis family represented by a single species; see the following species
account.
Similar families occurring in
the area: none. No other fishes havea combination of characters such as
body very deep, almost triangular,
extremely compressed; long dorsal and anal fin bases; thin, flexible
and rudimental dorsal fin spines;
extremely long pelvic fin, the first 2
soft rays fused.
(M. Matsunuma)

body very deepand compressedcaudal fin forked

pelvic fin long

Mene maculata(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Moonfish
D III–IV + 40–45; A 30–33; P1 15; P2
I, 5; GR 6–8 + 23–25. Body very deep,
almost triangular, extremely compressed; breast sharp-edged; covered
with minute scales, invisible to the naked eye. Mouth small, almost vertical,
protrusible; villiform bands in jaws.
Dorsal fin long-based, and low posteriorly; spines thin and flexible. Anal
fin long-based, commencing at pointof insertion of pelvic fins, uniformly
very low. Caudal fin deeply forked.
Pectoral fins shorter than head length.
Pelvic fins inserted slightly in front ofpectoral fins, first 2 soft rays fused andgreatly elongated. Color: upper sides
deep metallic blue, remainder silvery,
with a row of round to ovoid, darkslaty-blue spots above and below lateral line, sometimes a few additionalspots above and below these rows;
pelvic fins with a trace of blue, otherfins hyaline or slightly dusky. Size:
commonly 20 cm, maximum 30 cm.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific fromthe east coast of Africa east to Melanesia, Australia north to Japan. Remarks: found in coastal waters to
depths of 200 m. Marketed fresh anddried.
(M. Matsunuma)

Mene maculata, KAUM–I. 32870, 11.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 27 Oct. 2010

124

LEIOGNATHIDAE

Slipmouths (Ponyfishes)
Small to medium-sized marine
and brackish fishes; maximum size
about 25 cm. Body slimy and deep,
ovate, strongly compressed, except
a few species. Head usually naked(cheek scales present in some species) with bony ridges on dorsal
surface, a median bony ridge (crest)
on nape; mouth small, highly protrusible; no pseudobranchiae; gillmembranes united with isthmus.
Unique light organ encircling theposterior part of esophagus. A single
dorsal fin, lacking a distinct notch,with VII–IX spines (usually VIII)
and 15–17 (usually 16) soft rays;
anal fin usually with III spines and
13–15 (usually 14) soft rays; caudal fin forked; pelvic fin I, 5. Scales
small cycloid easily shed. Vertebral
counts 22–24. Color: body generally
silver; dark vertical bars or yellow
spots on body, a black blotch on topof dorsal fin, yellow vertical fin margins in some species.

single dorsal fin with VII–IX, 15–17
head usually naked

forked caudal finmouth highly
protrusible
anal fin with III, 13–15

Remarks: occurring in tropical totemperate marine and estuarine areas.
The generic names follow Kimura et al.
(2008a, b, c).
Similar families occurring in thearea: Leiognathidae is distinguishedfrom the following similar families
in having strongly protrusible mouth,

naked head (except cheek in somespecies), and small cycloid scales
on body. Carangidae – 2 dorsal fins;
mouth not highly protrusible. Gerreidae – scales large; head scaled; scaly
sheath along the bases of dorsal andanal fins well developed.
(S. Kimura)

Equulites oblongus(Valenciennes, 1835)
Oblong Ponyfish
D VIII, 16; A III, 13–14 (usually 14);
P1 16–19; LL 52–63; GR 4–6 + 12–15= 17–20; V 10 + 14. Body oblong,compressed; body depth 35–46% SL;
dorsal profile more strongly convex
than ventral profile; mouth protruding
downwards; ventral profile of lower
jaw slightly concave; small slender
teeth on both jaws; cheek naked;
breast completely scaled laterally withnarrow naked area ventrally; second
dorsal- and anal-fin spines not distinctly elongated. Color: body brownish silver dorsally, brilliant silverywhite ventrally; irregular oblique darklines dorsolaterally on body; dorsal,
anal and caudal fins yellowish. Size:maximum length about 10 cm SL.
Distribution: widely in Indo-West

Equulites oblongus, KAUM–I. 23384, 6.6 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 22 Sept. 2009

Pacific, from Mauritius to Australia.
Remarks: usually found in shallow
waters; feeds on small crustaceans andpolychaetes.
(S. Kimura)

125

Equulites stercorarius(Evermann & Seale, 1907)
Slender Ponyfish
D VIII, 16; A III, 14; P1 16–18; LL
58–61; GR 5–6 + 11–14 = 16–20.
Body elongate, moderately compressed;
body depth 30–36% SL; mouth protruding downwards; profile of lower
jaw almost straight; a single row ofsmall slender teeth on jaws; retrorse
spines of dorsal- and anal-fin pterygiophores embedded; cheek, breast, andbelly completely scaled. Color: bodybrownish dorsally, silvery-white ventrally; black blotch on snout; dark irregular oblique lines indistinctly on
dorsolateral body surface; dorsal andanal fins with yellow bands. Size:maximum length about 12 cm. Distribution: found in Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Remarks: inhabits soft bottom
area at depths shallower than 50 m.
(S. Kimura)

Eubleekeria jonesi(James, 1971)
Yellowlined Ponyfish
D VIII, 16; A III, 14–15 (usually 14);
P1 16–19; LL 50–61; GR 5–7 + 21–24= 24–31; V 10 + 14. Body deep, ovate,strongly compressed; dorsal and ventral profiles similarly convex; lower
margin of eye located above level ofmouth gape; mouth protruding downwards; ventral profile of lower jaw almost straight; small slender teeth on
both jaws; cheek naked; breast almost
completely scaled; semicircular naked
area on nape. Color: head and bodyalmost uniformly silvery-white; tip ofsnout dark; lateral line scales prominent yellow but easily fade out; distal
half of fin membranes between secondand fifth spines of dorsal fin with asomewhat pale black blotch. Size:maximum length about 14 cm SL.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, from
Mauritius to Indonesia, northward to
Hainan Island, China, south to Australia. Remarks: usually found in muddy
bottoms in shallow waters.
(S. Kimura)

Equulites stercorarius, KAUM–I. 32768, 9.8 cm SL
Ang Sila, 23 Oct. 2010

Eubleekeria jonesi, KAUM–I. 47761, 8.2 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 21 July 2012

126

Gazza minuta(Bloch, 1795)
Toothpony
D VIII, 16; A III, 13–14 (usually 14);
P1 14–19; LL 52–69; LGR 13–18; V
10 + 14. Body oval, compressed, somewhat elongated; mouth protruding forwards, not downwards, with distinct
canine teeth on both jaws; a long narrow anterodorsal extension of subocular silvery region, proximal contact
only with orbit; pelvic-fin tips notreaching to origin of anal fin when appressed; scaled area of anterior dorsolateral surface of body extending anteriorly beyond a vertical throughposterior tip of sensory canal on temporal; breast completely naked. Color: body bluish silver dorsally, brilliant silvery-white ventrally; anal fin
yellowish distally; caudal fin yellowish with faintly black margin. Size:maximum length about 16 cm. Distribution: widely in Indo-West Pacific,
from East Africa to northern Australia,
north to southern Japan. Remarks:
feeds on benthic animals and small
fishes.
(S. Kimura)

Nuchequula blochii(Valenciennes, 1835)

Gazza minuta, KAUM–I. 47794, 8.3 cm SL
Prachuab Khirikhan, 23 July 2012

Shining Ponyfish
D VIII, 16; A III, 14; P1 16–20; LL
50–58; GR 5–6 + 11–15 = 20–23; V
10+14. Body oblong, somewhat elongate, compressed; dorsal and ventral
profiles almost equally convex. Mouth
protruding downwards, with small
slender teeth on both jaws; ventral
profile of lower jaw slightly concave.
Cheek naked; breast completely
scaled. Second anal fin spine slightly
elongated. Color: body brownish silver dorsally, brilliant silvery-whiteventrally; a black or dark large blotch
on nape; 4 dark broken lines dorsolaterally on body, the third along lateralline; a dark marking on tip of anterior
dorsal fin; dorsal, anal, and caudal fins
faintly yellowish. Size: maximum
length about 8 cm SL. Distribution:
Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand.
Remarks: found in muddy bottoms ofcoastal inshore waters. Leiognathus
pan is a synonym.
(S. Kimura)

Nuchequula blochii, KAUM–I. 32699, 5.7 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 22 Oct. 2010

127

Nuchequula longicornis
Kimura, Kimura & Ikejima, 2008
Longspine Ponyfish
D VIII, 16–17 (usually 16); A III, 14;
P1 18–19; LL 54–58; GR 5–6 + 16–17= 22–23; V 10 + 14. Body deep, oval,
compressed; dorsal and ventral profiles equally convex; mouth protruding downward; a narrow band ofsmall, slender, villiform teeth in both
jaws; minute, sparse, slender projections on the upper oral valve; cheeknaked; no naked area on nape; breast
naked; second dorsal-fin spine elongated, extending beyond the base of
fifth soft ray when fin appressed; second anal-fin spine not elongated, notreaching to the base of fifth soft ray
when fin appressed. Color: body almost uniformly silver; a distinct dark
blotch on the nape; a yellow marking
on the abdomen between base of pectoral fin and origin of anal fin. Size:maximum length about 80 cm SL.
Distribution: West Pacific, from Gulfof Thailand to Java.
(S. Kimura)

Leiognathus equulus(Forsskål, 1775)

Nuchequula lougispinis, KAUM–I. 23239, 12.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 9 Sept. 2009

Common Ponyfish
D VII–VIII, 16–17 (usually VIII,
16); A III, 13–14 (usually 14); P1 19–
22; LL 54–68; GR 4–7 + 13–18 = 19–
24; V 10 + 14. Body extremely deep,
compressed, hump-back shaped; mouth
protruding downwards; small slender
teeth on both jaws; profile of lower
jaw strongly concave; supraorbital
ridge serrated; cheek, breast, and belly
completely naked; second dorsal- andanal-fin spines slightly elongated, but
not filamentous; retrorse spines of
dorsal and anal-fin pterygiophores
strong and exposed. Color: bodyblue-grayish silver dorsally, brilliant
silvery white ventrally; dorsolateralbody with 17–22 narrow dark verticallines. Size: maximum length about 30
cm. Distribution: widely in IndoWest Pacific, from East Africa to Fiji,north to southern Japan and south tonorthern Australia. Remarks: inhabits
shallow coastal areas, usually entering
into estuaries; feeds chiefly on polychaetes, small crustaceans, and small
fishes.
(S. Kimura)

Leiognathus equulus, KAUM–I. 23904, 7.9 cm SL
Mouth of Thachin River, 28 Sept. 2009

128

Photopectoralis bindus(Valenciennes, 1835)
Orangefin Ponyfish
D VIII, 15–16 (usually 16); A III, 14;
P1 15–19; LL 51–88; GR 4–7 + 16–20= 21–27; V 10 + 14. Body rounded,disk-like, strongly compressed; ventral profile similarly convex as, ormore strongly convex than ventral
profile; mouth protruding forwards; asingle row of small conical teeth inboth jaws; ventral profile of lower jaw
almost straight or slightly concave;cheek naked; breast almost completely scaled laterally with narrow naked
area ventrally. Color: body brownish
silver dorsally, brilliant silvery-whiteventrally; irregular oblique dark lines
and/or dark vermiculation dorsolaterally on body; spinous portion of dorsal
fin dark orange to yellow distally, anterior anal fin yellowish distally. Size:maximum length about 10 cm SL.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, fromRed Sea to New Caledonia, north tosouthern Japan. Remarks: usuallyfound in muddy bottoms of coastal inshore waters.
(S. Kimura)

Secutor hanedai
Mochizuki & Hayashi, 1989

Photopectoralis bindus, KAUM–I. 23386, 5.6 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 22 Sept. 2009

Haneda’s Ponyfish
D VIII, 16; A III, 14; P1 15–18; GR
5–7 + 17–20 = 22–26; V 10 + 14. Body
oblong, compressed; ventral profile
more strongly convex than dorsal profile; mouth protruding upwards; minute teeth on both jaws; ventral profile
of lower jaw slightly concave; cheekand breast naked; lateral line incomplete, number of scale pockets along
lateral line to caudal-fin base 60–70;
scale rows above and below lateralline 16–22 and 42–53, respectively.
Color: body silvery brownish green
dorsally, brilliant silvery-white ventrally; 9 or 10 vertical series of darkbars or blotches dorsolaterally on
body. Size: maximum length about 10
cm. Distribution: western and eastern
coasts of Malay Peninsula, Gulf ofThailand, Sumatra, Java, and Borneo.
Remarks: usually found in muddy
bottoms in shallow waters.
(S. Kimura)

Secutor hanedai, KAUM–I. 32772, 7.3 cm SL
Ang Sila, 23 Oct. 2010

129

Secutor indicius
Monkolprasit, 1973
Dots-and-dashes Ponyfish
D VIII, 16; A III,14; P1 16–18; LGR
20–21; V 10 + 14. Body oblong,somewhat elongated, compressed;
ventral profile more strongly convex
than dorsal profile; mouth protruding
upwards; minute teeth on both jaws;
ventral profile of lower jaw concave;cheek naked; breast naked ventrally;
lateral line incomplete, number ofscale pockets along lateral line to caudal-fin base 87–111; scale rows aboveand below lateral line 18–22 and 39–
48, respectively. Color: body silvery
brownish dorsally, brilliant silverywhite ventrally; about 15 irregularvertical dark markings consisted ofdots and dashes dorsolaterally on
body. Size: maximum length about 10
cm. Distribution: West Pacific Ocean,from Gulf of Thailand to New Guinea,
north to southern Japan. Remarks:
usually found in muddy bottoms inshallow waters.
(S. Kimura)
Secutor indicius, KAUM–I. 23383, 7.6 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 22 Sept. 2009

Secutor megalolepis
Mochizuki & Hayashi, 1989
Bigscaled Ponyfish
D VIII, 16; A III, 14; P1 15–16; LL
43–49; GR 4–6 + 16–20 = 21–25; V
10+14. Body disk-like, strongly compressed; ventral profile more strongly
convex than dorsal profile. Mouth
protruding upwards, with minute teeth
on both jaws; ventral profile of lower
jaw almost concave. Cheek and breast
completely scaled. Color: body silvery brownish dorsally, brilliant silvery-white ventrally; about 10 seriesof vertical dark bars or blotches dorsolaterally on body. Size: maximum
length about 6 cm SL. Distribution:found in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia,
Indonesia, northern Australia, andOkinawa, Japan. Remarks: usuallyfound in muddy bottoms in shallow
coastal waters and estuary. Marketed
fresh or dried.
(S. Kimura)

Secutor megalolepis, KAUM–I. 23410, 4.2 cm SL
Ang Sila, 22 Sept. 2009

130

LUTJANIDAE
Snappers

Typical perch-like fishes, bodysymmetrical and moderately compressed, oblong in shape (size to
160 cm). Eye usually restrained;premaxilla usually moderately protrusible; mouth terminal and fairly
large; maxilla upward for most or allof its length under lachrymal whenmouth closed; supramaxilla absent.
Jaws with conical teeth and usuallywith more or less distinct enlarged
canines; teeth in jaws not fused together; pterygoids usually toothless;teeth typically well-developed on
those bones; molar teeth absent in
jaw; teeth in jaws not incisor-like,usually in several rows or a band;
teeth in jaws variable-conical or
molariform. Scales present on mostpart of head; cheek and operculum
scaly; lips usually not fleshy; maxilla
with or without scales; snout, lachrymal, and lower jaw naked; opercular spines 2; no chin pores. Dorsal fin single, continuous or slightly
notched, spinous portion sometimes
deeply incised posteriorly where it
joins soft portion with X–XII spinesand 10–19 soft rays; anal fin with III
spines and 7–11 soft rays; pectoralfin rays 14–19; pelvic fins with I
spine and 5 soft rays, originating
just behind pectoral-fin base. Caudal
preduncle moderately long and highcaudal fin shape variable frequently
truncate, emarginated or lunate with
17 fin rays. Lateral line continuous
without an abrupt bend. Pelvic axillary process usually well-developed.
Gill membranes not united; preoper-

single dorsal fin with X–XII, 10–19

preopercle scaled

ctenoid scales

snout andlachrymal naked

cular margin usually serrated withconical notch; branchiostegal rays 7.
Vertebrae 24 (10 + 14).
Color: highly variable; mainly
from red through yellow to blue; oftenwith blotches, lines, or other patterns.
Remarks: Lutjanidae are foundin tropical and subtropical areas of theAtlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans.
They are mainly marine inhabitants,
although they are known to enter estuaries and freshwater. They are generally demersal swimmers, extending
down to depths of about 500 m. Active
predators, mostly nocturnal, feedingon crustaceans, mollusks, and fishes;
while several are planktivores.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Caesionidae – mouth small; premaxillae extremely protrusible; teeth
small and minute; caudal fin deeply
forked, with pointed lobes. Haemulidae – scales present on snout andanal fin with III, 7–11

lachrymal, those in lachrymal often
embedded; preoperculo mandibular
canal lateral system opening underchin through median longitudinalgroove or enlarged pores or both;usually no teeth on vomer and palatines; vertebrae 26 or 27. Lethrinidae– opercular membranes broadly united to each other; preopercular margin typically smooth; branchiostegalrays 6; soft rays in dorsal fin 9 or 10;
no teeth on vomer or palatines; most
species lack scales on cheek; lips frequently fleshy. Nemipteridae – preopercular margin typically smooth;
soft rays in dorsal fin 9; soft rays inanal fin usually 7, rarely 8; branchiostegal rays 6; no teeth on vomer or
palatines. Sparidae – preopercularmargin typically smooth; branchiostegal rays 6; teeth in jaws variabl
onical, incisiform, or molariform.
(S. Tafzilmeriam S. A. K.)

131

Lutjanus lutjanus(Bloch, 1790)
Bigeye Snapper
D X, 13; A III, 8; P1 15; P2 I, 5; LLp
48–50; GR 6–8 + 17–19. Body fusiform, slender; its depth 2.9 to 3.3
times in standard length. Interorbital
space flat and less than eye diameter.
Head and body covered with small adhesive ctenoid scales. Scale rows onback rising obliquely above lateralline. Large terminal and slightly protractile mouth with thick lips. Vomerine tooth patch triangular, with a medial posterior extension. Preopercularmargin finely denticulated, with preopercular notch. Lateral line runningparallel to dorsal profile. Caudal fintruncate or slightly emarginated. Color: upper back golden brown; a broad
yellow to brownish stripe from eye tocaudal-fin base; yellow horizontal
lines (1 per scale row) on lower half ofbody, and similar lines runningobliquely above lateral line; fins yellowish. Size: maximum length about
30 cm. Distribution: widespread in the
Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: inhabits
offshore coral reefs and trawling
grounds to depths of at least 90 m. Frequently seen in large schools (over 100(S. Tafzilmeriam)
individuals).

Lutjanus madras(Valenciennes, 1831)

Lutjanus lutjanus, KAUM–I. 32826, 11.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

Lutjanus madras, KAUM–I. 33013, 12.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Nov. 2010

Indian Snapper
D X–XI, 13–14; A III, 8–9; P1 16–
17; LLp 47–50; GR 6–7 + 12–15.
Body fusiform, somewhat slender, its
depth 2.6–3.1 in SL. Anterodorsal profile of head moderately to gently
sloped; preorbital width about equal to
2/3 of eye diameter; preopercularnotch and knob poorly developed.

Posterior profile of dorsal and anal
fins angular; caudal fin truncate orslightly emarginate. Scale rows onback rising obliquely above lateralline. Color: upper back brownish;sides whitish with a series of fine yellow horizontal lines; fins yellow except pelvic fins frequently white or

faintly yellow. Size: maximum length
about 30 cm, commonly to 20 cm. Distribution: Indian Ocean and West Pacific: Seychelles to New Guinea andthe Philippines. Remarks: often misidentified as L. lutjanus.
(U. Satapoomin)

132

Lutjanus malabaricus(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Humpback Red Snapper
D X, 14; A III,8; P1 17; P2 I, 5; GR
25–30; LGR 15–20. Body deep, compressed, its depth 2.2–2.5 times instandard length. Preorbital bonebroad, much wider than eye diameter,
preopercular notch and knob well developed, vomerine tooth band lacking
a medial posterior extension, tongue
smooth, without teeth. Scale rows onback rising obliquely both above andbelow the lateral line. Caudal fin distinctly forked with rounded lobes.
Color: body uniformly dark red in
adults, darker on back and upper portion of head, an orange hue on lower
part of opercle and in pectoral-fin axil,
fins red or frequently dark brown to
blackish, soft part of dorsal fin, analand caudal fins with a narrow whitemargin, juveniles with a large roundblack spot at base of caudal fin. Size:maximum total length about 50 cm,
commonly to 35cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific. Remarks: inhabits coral
reefs. Depth distribution ranges fromabout 6 to at least 30 m.
(S. Tafzilmeriam)

Lutjanus malabaricus, KAUM–I. 33134, 10.3 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

Lutjanus russellii(Bleeker, 1849)
Russell's Snapper
D X, 14; A III, 8; P1 15; P2 I, 5; LLp
47–50; GR 6–7 + 7–11. Body moderately deep, elongated and compressed,
its depth 2.6–2.8 in standard length.
Anterodorsal profile of head steeply tomoderately sloped; preorbital widthabout equal to, or slightly less than eye
diameter. Body covered with small,adhesive, ctenoid scales. Dorsal andanterior part of head scaleless. Scalerows on back rising obliquely above
lateral line. Large, terminal and slightly protractile mouth with thick lips.
Preopercular notch and knob poorly
developed. Caudal fin truncate orslightly emarginate. Color: body reddish-brown; a black spot, sometimes
faint, on the lateral line below the anterior portion of the soft dorsal fin;adults from Malaysia usually with 6
dark yellow stripes on sides; juveniles,

Lutjanus russellii, KAUM–I. 32952, 12.6 cm SL
Rayong, 31 Oct. 2010

whitish with 4 black stripes on sides habits inshore rocky and coral reefs; toand with a round black spot on upper a depth of 80 m. Juveniles often foundback. Size: maximum length about 45 in mangrove areas. (S. Tafzilmeriam)
cm, commonly to 26 cm. Distribution: Western Pacific. Remarks: in-133

Lutjanus sebae(Cuvier, 1816)
Emperor Red Snapper
D XI, 15–17; A III, 10; P1 17; P2 I, 5;
LLp 46–49; GR 6–7 + 10–12. Body
deep. Soft portions of dorsal and anal
fins pointed. Vomerine tooth patch
crescentic or triangular, without a medial posterior extension. Caudal fin
slightly forked. Color: body whitewith 3 red bands on lateral surface ofbody;1st band from snout to origin of
1st dorsal fin spine; 2nd band frombase of pelvic fin to middle of dorsalfin spines; 3rd band from lower edgeof caudal fin to origin of last dorsal-fin
spine. Upper part of caudal-fin lobe
red. Pelvic fins dark red. Size: maximum length to at least 100 cm. Distribution: widely in Indo-West Pacific,
east coast of Africa to Australia. Remarks: occurs in coral and rocky reefs.
(T. Yoshida)

Lutjanus sebae, KAUM–I. 23087, 12.1 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 Sept. 2009

Lutjanus vitta(Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Brownstripe Redsnapper
D X,13; A III, 8; P1 15; P2 I, 5; LLp
49–51; GR 6–7 + 9–12. Body moderately deep to relatively slender; its
depth 2.6 to 3 times in standard length.
Preorbital width about equal to eye diameter; preopercular notch and knob
poorly developed. Scales present on
cheek, preoperculum and operculum.
Head and body covered with small,ctenoid scales. Soft-rays of dorsal andanal fins with scaly sheath. Scale rows
on back rising obliquely above lateralline. Large, terminal and slightly protractile mouth with thick lips. Preopercular margin finely serrated with preopercularnotch.
Caudalfin
emarginated. Color: dorsal region ofbody yellowish with a dark brown to
blackish stripe on the middle of theside from eye to upper half of caudal

Lutjanus vitta, KAUM–I. 32966, 15.7 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 1 Nov. 2010

peduncle. A longitudinal dark stripe lengths of 16 to 24 cm. Distribution:
originating behind eye and ends at up- Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: inhabits
per base of caudal fin. Fins yellowish vicinity of coral reefs.
(S. Tafzilmeriam)except pelvic fin. Size: maximum
length about 31 cm, juvenile with

134

Pinjalo pinjalo(Bleeker, 1850)
Pinjalo
D XI 14–15; A III, 9–10; P1 17–19;
LLp 48–51; GR 6–8 + 16–18. Body
moderately deep, laterally compressed. Dorsal profile of head convex. Dorsal fin continuous without anotch between spinous and soft portions. Eye large, about equal to snout
length. Caudal fin deeply emarginated. Color: head and dorsal half oftrunk reddish pink to yellowish pink;
opercle and lower half of trunk silvery
white; pectoral fin pink; dorsal, pelvic,
anal and caudal fins yellowish. Size:maximum standard length 46 cm. Distribution: widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: inhabits
offshore coral reefs and rocky bottoms.
Marketed fresh or dried-salted.
(T. Yoshida)

Pinjalo pinjalo, KAUM–I. 23794, 12.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

135

CAESIONIDAE
Fusiliers

Medium sized (up to 50 cm) marine fishes. Body oblong to fusiform,
moderately compressed; longitudinal
axis from tip of snout to middle ofcaudal fin passing through center ofeye. Eye moderately large, its diameter longer than snout length. Mouth
small and highly protrusible. Dentition variously reduced; small or minute conical teeth; premaxilla, vomer,
and palatines with or without teeth.
Dorsal fin with X–XV slender weakspines and 8–22 soft rays; anal fin
with III spines and 9–13 soft rays;
pelvic fin with I spine and 5 soft rays;
pectoral fin with 16–24 rays; caudal
fin distinctly forked, with pointed
lobes. Branchiostegal rays 7. Scales
moderate to small, weakly ctenoid;
lateral line scales 45–88; scale rows
on body running horizontally; dorsal and anal fins with scales in most
species. Color: sides with or without
longitudinal stripes; caudal fin either without markings, with blackishblotch on tips of lobes, or with a longitudinal blackish streak in middle ofeach lobe; axil of pectoral fins black.
Remarks: found mostly oncoral reefs; occur near the surface tosingle dorsal fin with X–XV, 8–22

forked caudal fin

weakly ctenoid scales

anal fin with III, 9–13

depths of 60 m. Feed by picking zooplankton. Major importance in coralreef fisheries.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Lutjanidae – closely allied
to Caesionidae and difficult to distinguish from Caesionidae on the basisof any single external character, but
most members of Lutjanidae having
a deeper body, the eye well above thehorizontal axis of the body, and lacking a strongly forked caudal fin; thoselutjanid genera with the horizontal
passing near the center of eye either
having scale rows running obliquely
upward, fewer than 9 anal fin rays, noscales on dorsal and anal fins, or thecaudal fin much less deeply forked.
Nemipteridae – eye above horizontal
axis in most species; 9 dorsal and 7
or 8 anal fins soft rays. Lethrinidae– eye always above horizontal axisof body; base of soft part of dorsal
fin generally shorter than base ofspinous part; 8–10 anal fin soft rays;
usually enlarged canines in frontof jaws, sometimes lateral molars.
Emmelichthyidae – superficially similar but caught in deep water; maxilla
fully scaly; dorsal fin with IX spines
and usually 12 soft rays.
(M. Matsunuma)

Caesio caerulaurea
Lacepède, 1801
Blue-and-gold Fusilier
D X, 14–16; A III, 12–13; P1 19–22;
LLp 57–65. Body fusiform and elongate. A single postmaxillary process;small conical teeth on jaws, vomer,
and palatines. Scale rows above lateralline 8–10; dorsal and anal fins scaly;
the scale rows on spinous part of dorsal fin horizontal; supratemporal bandof scales often interrupted at dorsal
midline by a V-shaped scaleless zone;
Caesio caerulaurea, KAUM–I. 23422, 16.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009
3–5 scales on cheek; 22–25 predorsal
scales. Color: upper body bluish, lower body white to pale bluish; a single
yellow stripe from above the eye, run- bution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks:
ning along the body and above lateral inhabits coastal areas, primarily aroundline, to upper caudal peduncle. Size: coral reefs to depths of around 40 m.
maximum length about 35 cm. Distri(U. Satapoomin)

136

Caesio cuning(Bloch, 1791)
Redbelly Yellowtail Fusilier
D X, 14–16; A III, 10–12; P1 17–20;
LL 45–51. Body fairly deep and compressed. A single postmaxillary process; small conical teeth in jaws, vomer and palatines. Scale rows above
lateral line 7–9; supratemporal band ofscales confluent at dorsal midline; 4–5
scales on cheek; predorsal scales 20–
26; dorsal and anal fins scaly, the dorsal fin with about 1/2 of its greatest
spinous height covered with scales;supratemporal band of scales confluent at dorsal midline. Color: head andbody bluish white, pinkish ventrally;
posterior portion of back, upper caudal peduncle, and caudal fin yellow;
axil and upper base of pectoral fin
black; dorsal fin yellow posteriorly
and grayish blue anteriorly; pelvic andanal fins reddish. Size: maximum
length 50 cm. Distribution: Indo-West
Pacific. Remarks: inhabits coastal areas to the depth of 60 m.
(M. Matsunuma)

Dipterygonotus balteatus(Valenciennes, 1830)

Caesio cuning, KAUM–I. 47439, 15.3 cm SL
off Tha Chana (SP), 18 June 2012

Dipterygonotus balteatus, KAUM–I. 33004, 7.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Nov. 2010

Mottled Fusilier
D XII–XV, 8–11; A III, 9–11; P1
17–19; LL 68–80. Body slender, fusiform, elongate, and moderately compressed. Two postmaxillary processes;
small conical teeth on dentary and vomer; premaxilla and palatines without
teeth. Scales above lateral line to origin of dorsal fin 9–11; scales below
lateral line to origin of anal fin 15–18;
usually 6–9 scale rows on cheek; predorsal scales usually 29–34; dorsal
and anal fins without scales. Color:body brownish bronze dorsally, silvery white ventrally; with a thin,straight, tan stripe about 1 scale widefrom orbit to caudal fin, above lateralline; above and parallel to this stripe 2
thin, irregular, and usually interrupted
stripes of same color; caudal fin tan topinkish. Size: maximum length 14 cm.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: feeds on zooplankton. Mar(M. Matsunuma)
keted fresh.

Pterocaesio chrysozona(Cuvier, 1830)
Goldband Fusilier

Pterocaesio chrysozona, KAUM–I. 32973, 9.2 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 1 Nov. 2010

D X–XI, 14–16; A III, 11–12; P1
17–20; LL 64–69. Body fusiform,
elongate, and moderately compressed.
Two postmaxillary processes; small
conical teeth in jaws, vomer, and palatines. Scales above lateral line to origin of dorsal fin 7–9; scales below
lateral line to origin of anal fin 14–16;
predorsal scales usually 23–26; dorsal
and anal fins scaly, dorsal fin with
about 1/2 of its greatest spinous heightcovered with scales. Color: body light
blue to brownish dorsally, white topinkish ventrally; a bright yellow banddirectly below lateral line for most of
its length, from behind eye to base of
caudal fin, 2 to 3 scales wide anteriorly, tapering to 1 scale in width on caudal peduncle where it is above lateralline; a less conspicuous yellow stripe
along dorsal midline; dorsal fin slightly dusky distally; tips of caudal-fin
lobes black. Size: maximum length 21
cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.
Remarks: schooling fish found in(M. Matsunuma)
coral reefs.

137

LOBOTIDAE
Tripletails

Moderately deep bodied andcompressed (size to over 1 m). Head
length shorter than body depth; profile of head from eye, generally concave. Preopercle finely to coarsely
serrate; opercle with 1 or 2 flat spines.
Mouth terminal to slightly superior,extending to anterior or middle portion of eye; in jaws, an outer row andan inner band of smaller teeth; roofof mouth without teeth. Single dorsal
fin with XI to XIII spines and 13 to
16 soft rays. Anal fin with III spinesand 8 to 11 soft rays, soft-rayed portion of second dorsal and anal fin
broadly rounded and extending beyond base of caudal fin, resulting in
the appearance of a single 3-lobed
fin. Scales ctenoid, 42 to 70 in lateralline. Color: yellowish, brownish,greenish and/or sometimes mottled,
or whitish with 4 to 10 dark brownish bars.

single dorsal fin with XI–XIII, 13–16
1 or 2 flat spines

anal fin with III, 8–11

Remarks: coastal and estuarine,some entering fresh water; some associated with floating objects well out tosea. Carnivorous.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Serranidae – 3 flat spines
on upper part of opercle. Haemulidae– presence of chin pores. Lutjanidae– truncate, emarginate, or forked
caudal fin, the usual absence of anenlarged second dorsal-fin spine andteeth usually present on vomer andpalatines.
(S. Tafzilmeriam S. A. K.)

Lobotes surinamensis(Bloch, 1790)
Tripletail
D XII, 15–16; A III, 11; P1 15; P2 I,
5; LLp 51–52. A compressed, deepbodied perch-like fish with the dorsal
and anal fins rounded and symmetricalwith the tail appearing as a single
three-lobed fin. Interorbital space narrow, profile head concave; eye relatively small; no subocular shelf visible
externally; mouth large, slightly
oblique, upper jaw protractile; maxilla
not slipping under preorbital bonewhen mouth closed; no teeth on roofof mouth; preopercle with strong dentitions along its margin. Pectoral finsshorter than pelvic fins. Color: bodyyellowish, brownish to greenish gray.
Dorsal, caudal, anal and pelvic finswith an orange, dark brown and greenish gray stripe. Pectoral fin yellow.
The young are often bright yellowish,
becoming darker with age. Size: maximum to 110 cm; common to 50 cm;

Lobotes surinamensis, KAUM–I. 47379, 17.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 13 June 2012

world game record 19.2 kg. Distribution: throughout the Western Central
Atlantic. Remarks: in littoral zone of
all warm seas.
(S. Tafzilmeriam)

138

GERREIDAE
MojarraSmall to medium sized marine
and brackish fishes; maximum size
about 40 cm. Body compressed,
depth variable, oblong to rhomboidal. Head scaled; mouth small,
highly protrusible; teeth on jaws
small, brush-like; gill membrane freefrom isthmus. A single dorsal fin,lacking a distinct notch, with IX–X
spines and 9–17 soft rays; anal fin
usually with II–IV spines and 6–18
soft rays; scaly sheath along bases of
dorsal and anal fins; pelvic fin I, 5;
caudal fin deeply forked. Scales thin,
cycloid, moderately large, but deciduous. Vertebral counts 24. Color:body generally brilliant silver, withdark vertical bars or spots on body insome species.
Remarks: occurring in tropicalto temperate marine and estuarine areas. Feed mainly on benthic animals.

scaly sheathcaudal fin deeply forked

head scaled
large cycloid scales

mouth highly
protrusible

Similar families occurring in
the area: Gerreidae is distinguishedfrom the following similar families
in having strongly protrusible mouth,
scaled head, moderately large cycloid

scaly sheathscales on body, and scaly sheathalong the bases of dorsal and anal
fins. Haemulidae, Lutjanidae, andSparidae – mouth not highly protru(S. Kimura)sible.

Gerres chrysops
Iwatsuki, Kimura & Yoshino, 1999
Gold sheen Silverbiddy
D IX, 10 (rarely X, 9); A III, 7; P1 16;
LLp 33–36; GR 4–6 + 7–8. Body
deep, compressed, anterodorsal profile sharply ascending. Posterior tip ofmaxilla reaching almost to below anterior margin of pupil. Second dorsalfin spine not elongated; pectoral finsreaching beyond anus, to just before
level of anal fin origin. Scales moderately deciduous, 3–4 scales between
base of fifth dorsal-fin spine and lateral line. Color: body brilliant gold
above, silvery white below; all fins
yellow; lower tip of caudal fin white.
Size: maximum length 8.3 cm SL.
Distribution: restrictedly found in the
Gulf of Thailand. Remarks: very
common fish around the northern Gulf
(S. Kimura)of Thailand.

Gerres chrysops, KAUM–I. 32696, 7.4 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 22 Oct. 2010

139

Gerres erythrourus(Bloch, 1791)
Deepbody Silverbiddy
D IX, 10; A III, 7; P1 15–16; LL 35–
38; GR 4–5 + 8–9. Body deep, compressed; anterodorsal profile almost
straight. Dorsal- and anal-fin spines
strong; second dorsal-fin spine longer
than the third; second anal-fin spine
robust, nearly the same in length ofanal-fin base; caudal fin short, deeply
forked, tips broadly rounded. Color:body brownish silver dorsally, brilliant silver ventrally, with indistinct
dark longitudinal stripes along scalerows above and 4–6 rows immediately
below lateral line; often 4–11 indistinct vertical narrow dark bars on sideof body; anal and pelvic fins yellow.
Size: maximum length about 37 cm.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific, fromwestern India to Micronesia. Remarks: inhabits soft bottom. Juveniles often observed in estuarine waters. Caught by bottom set nets andbottom trawls. Marketed fresh or driedand salted.
(S. Kimura & S. Tafzilmeriam)

Gerres erythrourus, KAUM–I. 47421, 9.7 cm SL
Ang Sila, 15 June 2012

Gerres filamentosus
Cuvier, 1829
Whipfin Mojarra
D IX, 10; A III, 7; P1 15–16; LL 43–
46 (usually 44–45); GR 4–6 + 8. Body
deep, compressed, anterodorsal profile somewhat convex. Second dorsalfin spine very long and filamentous,
reaching slightly beyond base of lastdorsal-fin ray; anal-fin spines generally robust, third longest; caudal fin
deeply forked, lobes pointed. Preopercle with 3 scale rows; 4 ½– 5½ scales
between 5th dorsal fin spine base andlateral line. Color: body brownish silver dorsally, brilliant silver ventrally,
with vertical rows of indistinct dark
ovoid spots laterally in adults and subadults; all fins tinged with tan, caudal
fin with a blackish margin. Size: maximum length about 32 cm. Distribution: widely distributed in tropicalIndo-Pacific, from eastern coast of
Africa to Micronesia. Remarks: inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms in

Gerres filamentosus, KAUM–I. 32735, 14.7 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 22 Oct. 2010

coastal areas to depths of at least 50 m.
Marketed fresh or dried, sometime
used in making fish crackers. Caught
mainly by beach seines and bottom
trawls. (S. Kimura & S. Tafzilmeriam)

140

Gerres macracanthus
Bleeker, 1854
Longspined Silverybiddy
D IX, 10; A III, 7; P1 15; LLp 41–44.
Body relatively slender and compressed. Usually 4 ½ scale rows between 5th dorsal-fin spine base andlateral line; 5 ½ or 6 ½ scales above
lateral line, 9 ½ or 10 ½ scales below.
Second dorsal-fin spine elongated andfilament; 2nd and 3rd anal-fin spines
short. Caudal fin deeply forked. Color: body silvery with usually 6–10
(rarely up to 14 as faint bands in larger
specimens) indistinct vertical darkbands on body; pectoral, pelvic, andanal fins yellowish. Size: maximum
total length 20 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found incoastal waters to depths of at least 30
m.
(S. Tafzilmeriam)

Gerres macracanthus, KAUM–I. 22985, 8.4 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Sept. 2009

Gerres oyena(Forsskål, 1775)
Common Silverbiddy
D IX, 10; A III, 7; P1 15–17; LL
35–40; GR 3–6 + 8–9 (usually 8).
Body oblong, compressed, anterodorsal profile convex. Posterior tip ofmaxilla extending beyond anterior
margin of eye. Second dorsal-fin spine
not elongated; pectoral fins short, notreaching to anal-fin origin. Scales
mostly absent on premaxillary groove;
scale rows above lateral line 4. Color:body silvery, sometime with faint darkvertical bands laterally; tip of dorsal
and caudal fins with black margins; arow of small dusky spots on dorsal-fin
membrane near base; anal and pelvic
fins yellowish. Size: maximum length
about 25 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
Remarks: inhabits inshore, especially
soft bottom area at depths shallower
than 30 m.
(S. Kimura & S. Tafzilmeriam)

Pentaprion longimanus(Cantor, 1849)
Longfin Silverbiddy
D IX–X, 14–15; A V–VI, 12–13; P1
17; LLp 44–48; GR 6 + 12–13. Body
oblong, compressed; dorsal and ventral profiles almost equally convex.
Posterior tip of maxilla reaching almost to below anterior margin of eye.
Second dorsal-fin spine not elongated;
anal-fin base longer than base of soft

Gerres oyena, KAUM–I. 32733, 12.5 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 22 Oct. 2010

Pentaprion longimanus, KAUM–I. 47436, 9.0 cm SL
off Tha Chana (SP), 18 June 2012

portion of dorsal fin; caudal fin deeply
forked. Scales deciduous. Color:body silvery, pale brown dorsally; allfins whitish; caudal fin tinged withyellow. A longitudinal silvery band
along lateral mid-line of head andbody. Size: maximum length about 20

cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacificfrom western India to Papua New
Guinea, north to Okinawa, Japan,
south to northern Australia. Remarks:
inhabits inshore areas, on muddy-sandbottoms. Feeds on small benthic invertebrates.
(S. Kimura)141

HAEMULIDAE
Sweetlips (Grunts)

Medium-sized (up to 120 cm),
oblong and compressed fishes. Lateral line continuous. Head almost
entirely scaled, exclusive of lips,
chin and tip of snout; mouth small
or moderate in size, subterminal; lips
thick in Plectorhinchus; chin with
distinct pores; hind margin of lachrymal not exposed; opercle with asingle spine; teeth conical, forming
narrow band in each jaw; teeth onoutermost row of jaws enlarged, but
not canine-like; palatine toothless;branchiostegals 7. A single dorsal fin
with IX–XV strong spines (second
spine usually very strong) and 11–26
soft rays; anal fin with III spines and6–18 soft rays; pelvic fin below baseof pectoral fin, with I spine and 5 softrays; caudal fin truncate or emarginated in adults, rounded in juveniles.
Scales small and ctenoid. Vertebrae
26–27. Color: highly variable, appearing characteristic pattern (e.g.,banded and spotted) in each species;
in many species, juveniles strikingly
differ from adult in color.

single dorsal fin with IX–XV, 11–26

head scaled

ctenoid scales
thick lips
anal fin with III, 6–18
2nd anal-fin
spine strong

chin withpores

Remarks: inhabit coastal waters
including reefs, bays, and estuaries,
down to about 80 m. Carnivorous,
feed on small benthic invertebrates or
fishes. Esteemed as food fish, caught
by spear, line, and various nets; marketed fresh or salted.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Lutjanidae – suborbital area

naked; palatine usually toothed.
Lethrinidae – no scales on preopercle; dorsal fin with 9–10 soft rays.
Nemipteridae – no pores on chin;hind margin of lachrymal exposed.
Sparidae – suborbital area naked;
preopercular margin not serrated.
(H. Motomura & K. Shibukawa)Diagramma picta picta(Thunberg, 1792)
Yellow-spotted Slatey
D IX–X, 20–26; A III, 7; P1 16–18;
LLp 55–74; GR 17–23. Body deepand compressed. Profile of snout
steep; lips fleshy; chin with six pores;
lower jaw without longitudinal grooveat midline. Color: varying much bysize; large adult silvery gray, with orwithout dusky spots; subadult pale
gray with numerous bright yellow or
dusky spots or lines on head, body andfins; juvenile with broad longitudinal
black bands on body. Size: commonly
45 cm, maximum 100 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks:
inhabits rocky and coral reefs andsandy bottoms. Nocturnal, forming
small aggregations by day and dispersing at night for feeding; feeds on
small benthic invertebrates. Johnson
et al. (2001) regarded it as a valid subspecies.
(K. Shibukawa)Diagramma picta picta, KAUM–I. 32802, 22.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

142

Plectorhinchus gibbosus(Lacepède, 1802)
Harlequin Sweetlip
D XIII–XIV, 15–17; A III, 7–8; P1
16–18; P2 I, 5; LLp 46–55; GR 8–10 +18–20. Body deep, compressed. Lip
fleshy, greatly swollen with age. Chinwith 6 pores; no median pit; not covering barbels or papillae. Caudal fin
rounded in juveniles, rounded to truncate in adults. Color: body dark gray.
Centers of scales paler than edges. No
distinct spots or blotches on fins. Size:maximum about 75 cm. Distribution:
widely distributed in the Indo-West
Pacific, from South Africa east to the
Samoa Islands, and southern Japan
south to New South Wales, Australia.
Remarks: generally found in silty
reef areas, young penetrating estuarine
habitats.
(H. Motomura)

Plectorhinchus gibbosus, KAUM–I. 32864, 18.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 27 Oct. 2010

Pomadasys argenteus(Forsskål, 1775)
Silver Grunt

D XII, 13–14; A III, 7; P1 16–18; P2 I,
5; LLp 47–49. Body deep, compressed; head blunt. Lip fleshy, greatly
swollen with age. Chin with 2 pores
and a median pit. Circumpeduncularscales 21 or 22; 5 scales between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin. Caudal
fin emarginate. Color: in adults, bodysilvery with dark blotches on dorsal
fin and numerous scattered darkbrown to blackish spots on body side.
Juveniles with body pale brownish,lighter below, back with irregular longitudinal streaks on alternate scalerows; dorsal fin with dusky membranes; a dark spot on gill cover. Size:
commonly 40 cm, maximum 60 cm.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific fromthe Red Sea to Melanesia, northern
Australia north to southern Japan. Remarks: found in coastal inshore waters in open bays and estuaries. Marketed fresh.
(M. Matsunuma)

Pomadasys argenteus, KAUM–I. 33218, 19.4 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010

Pomadasys maculatus(Bloch, 1793)
Saddle Grunt

D XII, 13–14; A III, 7; P1 17; P2 I, 5;
LLp 50–52; GR 5–6 + 13–15. Body
moderately elongate, compressed. Chinwith two pores and a median pit. Posterior portion of maxilla slightly covered or not covered by lacrimal laterally in western Pacific population;
largely covered by lacrimal in Indian

Pomadasys maculatum, KAUM–I. 23872, 13.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 26 Sept. 2009

Ocean population. Caudal fin slightly
emarginate. Color: body silver with alarge black blotch across nape, extending downward to below lateral line;
three broken black blotches on upper
half of trunk. A large dark blotch on
membrane centrally between secondand seventh dorsal-fin spines. Size:maximum length 59.3 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks:
occurs in coastal inshore waters inopen bay and estuaries to depths ofless than 110 m.
(H. Motomura)143

NEMIPTERIDAE

Threadfin Breams and Monocle Bream
Medium sized (up to 35 cm),
moderately elongate fishes. Headcompressed; eyes moderately large;
jaws subequal, or upper jaw slightly
beyond lower jaw; hind margin ofsuborbital bone exposed; branchiostegal rays 6. Single dorsal fin withX spines and 9 soft rays; anal fin with
III spines and 7–8 soft rays; pectoral
fin more or less falcate, with 14–19
soft rays (uppermost 2 rays unbranched); pelvic fin with I spine and5 soft rays; caudal fin emarginated,
lunate or forked, with filamentous
tip on each or both lobes in many
species. Scales ctenoid; cheek andoperculum scaled; a pair of elongate,
pointed scales at base of pelvic fin.
Color: pinkish, yellowish, grayish,or brownish dorsally, turned to silvery ventrally, with various-coloredvertical bands or longitudinal stripes
on head and body in many species.
Remarks: found in coral reefs
and coastal to offshore shelf waters

single dorsal fin with X, 9ctenoid scales

anal fin with III, 7–8

elongate, pointed
scale at pelvic-fin basewith sandy or muddy bottoms, down
to about 300 m depth. Carnivorous,
feed on small fishes, crustaceans,
cephalopods, and polychaetes. Esteemed as food fish in many species;
marketed fresh, dried and salted, or
minced for fish balls or fish cakes.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Caesionidae – dorsal fin with
X–XV spines and 8–22 soft rays; anal
fin with III spines and 9–13 soft rays;

no elongated, pointed scales at baseof pelvic fin. Haemulidae – dorsal fin
with IX–XIV spines and 11–26 soft
rays. Lethrinidae – anal fin with III
spines and 8–10 soft rays; no scales
on preopercle in Lethrinus (scaly inother genera). Lutjanidae – no elongate and pointed scales at base ofpelvic fin.
(K. Shibukawa & H. Motomura)

Nemipterus balinensoides(Popta, 1918)
Dwarf Threadfin BreamD X, 9; A III, 7; P2 I, 5; GR 15–17.
Body elongate, compressed; body
depth 3.8–4.4 in SL. Posterior marginof suborbital and lower preopercularmargin not serrated; suborbital spine
absent. Suborbital depth 4.1–6.7 ineye diameter. Ventral margin of orbit
extending below a horizontal line
through snout tip and upper base ofpectoral fin. First 2 dorsal-fin spine
separated by a membrane; membranes
between dorsal-fin spines not strongly
incised. Upper lobe of caudal fin not
filamentous. Pectoral fin not reachinga vertical through anus. Three transverse scale rows on preopercle. Color: body pinkish dorsally, silvery ventrally. A distinct yellow spot above
upper pectoral-fin base. Dorsal fin
pinkish to yellowish, with greenishyellow to purple margin. Anal fin

Nemipterus balinensoides, KAUM–I. 23277, 7.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 10 Sept. 2009translucent white. Pelvic fins pale yellow. Caudal fin pale yellowish-pink;
tip of upper lobe purple. Size: maximum standard length 12.5 cm. Distribution: western Pacific, including
Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, andNew Caledonia. Remarks: usuallyoccurs on sandy or muddy bottoms at
depths of 30 to 80 m. (H. Motomura)

144

Nemipterus furcosus(Valenciennes, 1830)
Forktailed Threadfin BreamD X, 9; A III, 7; P1 16–18; P2 I, 5; GR
7–10. Body moderately elongate, compressed; body depth 3–3.9 in SL. Snout
length equal to or greater than eye diameter. Suborbital spine absent; 4–6
transverse scale rows on preopercle.
Ventral margin of orbit tangent to or
above just reaching or not reaching ahorizontal line through snout tip andupper base of pectoral fin. Pectoral finreaching to or just short of a verticalthrough anus; pelvic fins short, reaching to or short of a vertical throughanus; caudal fin deeply forked; upper
lobe of the fin pointed, not produced.
Color: body pinkish dorsally, silvery
ventrally. Nine indistinct reddish saddle
bars on back; forming a reddish spot behind origin of lateral line. Dorsal fin

Nemipterus furcosus, KAUM–I. 32989, 13.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Nov. 2010

pale rosy, sometimes with yellowish
tinge, outer margin darker pink; a yellow stripe submarginally. Anal fin bluish white, with row of transparent or
faint yellowish spots near base. Caudal
fin pale rosy, with yellow tinge; lower

margin of fin white; posterior tip of upper lobe red. Size: maximum length 20
cm SL. Distribution: eastern Indian
Ocean and West Pacific. Remarks: occurs on sand and mud bottoms in depths
of 8–110 m.
(M. Matsunuma)

Nemipterus hexodon(Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Ornate Threadfin BreamD X, 9; A III, 7; P1 15–18; P2 I, 5; GR
11–17. Body moderately elongate,
compressed. Posterior margin of suborbital and lower preopercular margin notserrated; suborbital spine absent. Ventral margin of orbit not reaching a horizontal line through snout tip and upper
base of pectoral fin. Enlarged canines
anteriorly in upper and lower jaws.
First 2 dorsal-fin spines separated by amembrane. Upper lobe of caudal fin
slightly rounded. Pectoral fin not extending beyond a vertical through anal
fin origin. Three transverse scale rows
on preopercle. Color: body pinkishdorsally, silvery ventrally, with 6–8
pale yellow stripes below lateral line. A
red, ovoid spot below lateral line origin, bordered below by bright yellow.
Size: maximum length 21 cm SL. Distribution: the Andaman Sea and West
Pacific. Remarks: usually occurs on
sandy or muddy bottoms at depths of
10 to 80 m.
(H. Motomura)
Nemipterus hexdon, KAUM–I. 33116, 14.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 18 Nov. 2010

145

Nemipterus marginatus(Valenciennes, 1830)
Red Filament Threadfin BreamD X, 9; A III, 7; P1 16; P2 I, 5; GR 12.
Body moderately elongate, compressed. Posterior margin of suborbital and lower preopercular margin notserrated; suborbital spine absent. Ventral margin of orbit above a horizontal
line through snout tip and upper baseof pectoral fin. Pectoral and pelvic fins
long; caudal fin forked, upper lobe
produced into a short filament. Threetransverse scale rows on preopercle.
Color: body pinkish dorsally, silvery
ventrally; with a broad yellow stripe,
divided above pectoral fin, from below lateral line origin to upper part ofcaudal peduncle; a second yellowishorange stripe from above base of pectoral fin to lower part of caudal pe-

Nemipterus marginatus, KAUM–I. 33051, 10.0 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 9 Nov. 2010

duncle; a reddish spot below and just 15 cm SL. Distribution: West Pacific.
behind lateral line origin; caudal fin Remarks: found on sand or mud botincluding filament, reddish, its median toms in depths of 12 to 70 m.
rays yellowish. Size: maximum length(M. Matsunuma)

Nemipterus nematophorus(Bleeker, 1854)
Doublewhip Threadfin BreamD X, 9; A III, 7; P2 I, 5; GR 12–15.
Body elongate, compressed; body
depth 2.9–3.5 in standard length. Posterior margin of suborbital and lower
preopercular margin not serrated; suborbital spine absent. Suborbital depth
1.4–2.6 in eye diameter. Ventral margin of orbit reaching a horizontal line
through snout tip and upper base ofpectoral fin. First 2 dorsal-fin spine
almost fused, not separated by a membrane; first spine prolonged; membranes between dorsal-fin spines notstrongly incised. Upper lobe of caudal
fin filamentous. Pectoral fin reachinga vertical through between anus andanal-fin origin. Three transverse scalerows on preopercle. Color: body
pinkish dorsally, silvery ventrally,
with yellow longitudinal stripes below
lateral line and a distinct yellow blotch
at anterior lateral line. Dorsal fin

Nemipterus nematophorus, KAUM–I. 23223, 10.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 9 Sept. 2009translucent white, with yellow margin.
Pelvic and anal fins white. Pectoral fintranslucent white. Caudal fin pinkish
white; tip of upper lobe yellow. Size:maximum standard length 20 cm. Distribution: Indo-Malay Artipelago,

from Bay of Bengal to Indonesia, Philippines, and southern China. Remarks: usually occurs on sandy or
muddy bottoms at depths of less than
50 m. Taken by bottom trawl and gillnet.
(H. Motomura)146

Nemipterus tambuloides(Bleeker, 1853)
Fivelined Threadfin BreamD X, 9; A III, 7; P1 16; P2 I, 5; GR
6–8. Body moderately elongate, compressed; body depth 3.2 to 3.6 in SL.
Posterior margin of suborbital andlower preopercular margin not serrated; suborbital spine absent. Ventral
margin of orbit tangent to or just above
a horizontal line through snout tip andupper base of pectoral fin. Pectoraland pelvic fins long; caudal fin deeply
forked, tip of upper lobe pointed.
Three transverse scale rows on preopercle. Color: body pinkish dorsally,
silvery ventrally, 5 well-defined yellow stripes along body. Dorsal fintranslucent pink, with yellow margin;
a narrow yellow stripe just above basefin. Anal fin translucent bluish whitewith pale yellow stripe near base offin. Caudal fin bright rosy, upper tip
yellow. Size: maximum length 23 cm
SL. Distribution: the Andaman Sea
and West Central Pacific. Remarks:
usually occurs on sand or mud bottoms in depths of 50 to 70 m.
(M. Matsunuma)

Nemipterus tambuloides, KAUM–I. 32968, 14.7 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 1 Nov. 2010

Pentapodus setosus(Valenciennes, 1830)
Butterfly Whiptail
D X, 9; A III, 7; P1 15; P2 I, 5; LL
46–48; GR 16–17. Body moderately
elongate, fusiform; snout length greater than eye diameter. Scales on top ofhead reaching forward to or in front of
middle of eyes; six transverse scalerows on preopercle; lower limb of preopercle naked. Pelvic fins short, notreaching level of anus; caudal fin
forked, upper lobe produced into avery long trailing filament. Color:body whitish, pale brownish dorsally;a yellow stripe from behind eye, gradually arching on back and terminating
in a black spot on upper caudal peduncle; a narrow blue line running throughyellow stripe, this line convergent

Pentapodus setosus, KAUM–I. 23439, 16.4 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009

with a blue line from origin of anal fin,both lines meeting at an acute angle
behind black spot on caudal peduncle;
2 bluish stripes across snout, first frommiddle of eye to tip of snout, second
from upper lip to lower margin of eye.

Dorsal fin pale blue, with yellow margin; caudal fin pinkish, filament pinkish brown. Size: maximum length17.5 cm SL. Distribution: West Central Pacific. Remarks: found in offshore waters.
(M. Matsunuma)

147

Scolopsis monogramma(Cuvier, 1830)
Monogrammed Monocle BreamD X, 9; A III, 7; P1 16–17; P2 I, 5; LL
36–39. Body relatively deep, compressed; body depth 2.4–3.8 in SL.
Suborbital margin with a large backwardly pointing spine; no antrorse
spine just below eye; lower limb of
preopercle scaled. Pelvic fin reaching
to anus when deppressed; caudal fin
forked or lunate, upper lobe a little
longer than lower lobe or produced
into a short filament. Color: head andbody grayish dorsally, silvery ventrally; dusky midlateral stripe on body;some sky blue streaks on head. Size:
commonly 18 cm SL. Distribution:
the Andaman Sea and West Pacific.
Remarks: found in coastal waters
with sandy or muddy bottom aroundcoral reefs in depths to 50 m.
(K. Shibukawa)

Scolopsis monogramma, KAUM–I. 47684, 16.5 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 July 2012

Scolopsis taenioptera(Cuvier, 1830)
Lattice Monocle BreamD X, 9; A III, 7; P1 17–18; P2 I, 5; LL
45–48. Body relatively deep, compressed; body depth 2.7–3.1 in SL.
Suborbital with a large backwardly
pointing spine; no antrorse spine justbelow eye; exterminal edge of maxilla
smooth; lower limb of preopercular
naked. Pelvic fin reaching to anus
when deprresed; caudal fin forked or
lunate, upper lobe not produced into afilament. Color: head and body grayish dorsally, silvery ventrally; orangeor red spot at upper part of pectoral finbase. Size: commonly 15 cm, maximum 20 cm SL. Distribution: the Andaman Sea and West Pacific. Remarks: found in offshore waters withsandy or muddy bottom in depths to
50 m.
(K. Shibukawa)

Scolopsis vosmeri(Bloch, 1792)
Whitecheek Monocle BreamD X, 8–9; A III, 7; P1 18–19; P2 I, 5;
LL 41–44; GR 11–12. Body deep,
compressed; depth 2–2.6 in SL. Suborbital with a large backwardly-pointed spine; no antrorse spine just below
eye; external edge of maxilla smooth.
Pectoral fin short, not reaching to levelof anus; pelvic fin reaching to or be-

Scolopsis taenioptera, KAUM–I. 32805, 21.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

Scolopsis vosmeri, KAUM–I. 47683, 12.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 July 2012yond anus when depressed; caudal fin
forked. Scales on top of head extending forward to between level of snout
and anterior nostril; lower limb of preopercle scaled. Color: head and bodybrownish, paler ventrally; distinct,
broad white vertical bar on head. Size:

16 cm SL, commonly 15 cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found in offshore or coastal
waters with sandy or muddy bottom
around coral reefs. Caught by traps
and trawls; marketed fresh.
(K. Shibukawa)

148

LETHRINIDAE
Emperors

Medium to large sized (up to 100cm), oblong and compressed fishes.
Body compressed, covered with ctenoid scales; lateral line continuous.
Cheek scales absent in Lethrinus,
whereas present in the other genera;
mouth terminal with relatively thick
lips; strong canines at front of jaws;
either conical or molariform teeth
on sides of jaws; no teeth on roof ofmouth; branchiostegals 6. A single
dorsal fin with X spines and 9–10
soft rays; anal fin with III spinesand 8–10 soft rays; pectoral fin with
13–15 soft rays; pelvic fin below
base of pectoral fin, with I spine and5 soft rays; caudal fin emarginated orforked. Scales ctenoid, moderate insize. Vertebrae 24. Color: head andbody silvery, gray, and light or reddish brown, frequently mottled, spot-

single dorsal fin with X, 9–10

strong canines atfront of jaws

mouth terminal
with thick lips
anal fin with III, 8–10

ted or striped with dusky, blue, yellow
or red. Remarks: commonly found incoastal waters around coral and rocky
reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves.
Carnivorous, feeds on various organisms, e.g., fishes, mollusks, crustaceans, polychaetes, and sea urchins.
Esteemed as food fish, caught by handline, traps and trawls.

Similar families occurring in
the area: Haemulidae – chin with
distinct pores; scales on cheek.
Lutjanidae – teeth on roof of mouth;
scales on cheek. Sparidae – usuallymore spines in dorsal fin; scales oncheek(H. Motomura & K. Shibukawa)Gymnocranius elongatus
Senta, 1973
Forktail Large-eye BreamD X, 10; A III, 10; P1 14; P2 I, 5; LLp
47–48. Body oblong, compressed; its
depth 2.2–2.4 in SL. Outer surface ofmaxilla smooth. Ventral margin of orbit intersected by line from tip of snout
to middle of caudal-fin fork. Sides ofjaws with canines and villiform teeth.
Cheek with 4–6 transverse scale rows;
inner surface of pectoral fin axil notcovered with scales. Caudal fin
strongly forked, with pointed tips; median rays distinctly shorter than eye
diameter. Color: body silvery, sometimes slightly brownish dorsally;
about 8 transverse brown bars onsides; first bar through eye and acrosscheek. Fins mainly clear to yellow-orange; a narrow brown bar often acrosspectoral-fin base; caudal fin margins
and tips often deep red. Size: maximum length about 35 cm. Distribu-

Gymnocranius elongatus, KAUM–I. 33217, 18.9 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010

tion: eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean. Remarks: occurs
in coastal and shelf waters at depths
between about 50 and 100 m. Caught
mostly with bottom trawls.
(M. Matsunuma)

149

Gymnocranius griseus(Temminck & Schlegel, 1843)
Gray Large-eye BreamD X, 10; A III, 10; P1 14; P2 I, 5; LLp
46–48. Body oblong, compressed; its
depth comparatively deep, about 1.9–
2.2 in SL. Outer surface of maxilla
smooth. Ventral margin of orbit abovehorizontal line through snout tip andmiddle of caudal fin fork. Sides of jaws
with canines and villiform teeth. Cheek
with 4 transverse scale rows; inner surface of pectoral fin axil not covered
with scales. Caudal fin moderately
forked, with pointed tips; median rays
slightly greater than eye diameter. Color: body silvery; frequently with a diffuse to vivid pattern of 5 to 8 narrow
Gymnocranius griseus, KAUM–I. 23440, 13.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009
dark bars on side; first bar through eye
and across cheek. Fins mainly clear toyellowish; a narrow brown bar often
across pectoral-fin base. Size: maxi- Ocean and the western Pacific from and coastal inshore waters at depths bemum length about 35 cm. Distribu- southern Japan to western Australia. tween about 20 and 80 m. Caught mosttion: distributed in the eastern Indian Remarks: occurs in continental shelf ly with bottom trawls. (H. Motomura)

Lethrinus lentjan(Lacepède, 1802)
Pink Ear Emperor
D X, 9; A III, 8; P1 13; P2 I, 5; LLp
46–47. Body moderately deep; its
depth 2.5–2.8 in SL. Dorsal profile ofsnout around straight. No scales oncheek; inner surface of pectoral-finbase scaled or naked; 6 longitudinalscale rows (including small scales beneath dorsal-fin base) between lateralline and base of middle dorsal-fin
spine. Color: body grayish dorsally,
silvery ventrally; whitish spot at center of each scale on body; posterior
margin of opercle red; base of pectoral
fin sometimes with red marking; caudal fin mottled. Size: 52 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific Remarks:
found in lagoons, coral reefs and seagrass beds; juveniles enter estuaries
and mangrove swamps. Carnivorous,
feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, polychaetes and fishes. Esteemed as foodfish.
(K. Shibukawa)

Lethrinus lentjan, KAUM–I. 23235, 17.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 9 Sept. 2009

150

SPARIDAE

Seabreams or Porgies
Medium to large sized (up to
100 cm) fishes, with body oblong,moderately deep and compressed.
Head large, often with a steep upper profile; mouth subhorizontal
and slightly protrusible, upper jaw
never reaching reaching a verticalline through middle of eye; hind tipof premaxilla overlapping maxilla;
jaw teeth well developed, differentiated into either conical, or flattened,
and often rounded; vomer and palatines toothless. Gill rakers variable,
7–20 on lower limb of first gill arch.
Dorsal fin single, with X–XIII spinesand 9–17 soft rays, the spiny and soft
portions not separated by a notch;
anal fin with III spines and 7–15 softrays; pectoral fins usually long andpointed; pelvic fin with I spine and5 soft rays, and an axillary scale atbase; caudal fin moderately deeply
emarginate or forked. Scales cycloid
or weakly ctenoid.
Color: overall color highly variable, from pinkish or reddish to yellowish or grayish, often with silvery

single dorsal fin with X–XIII, 9–17

anal fin with III, 7–15

or golden reflections, often with dark
or colored spots, stripes, or bars.
Remarks: inhabits tropical andtemperate coastal waters; occasionallyfound in estuaries. Most seabreams
are excellent food fish and are of notable commercial importance.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Haemulidae – edge of preopercle serrate; suborbital space scaled; ;no molar teeth. Lutjanidae – edge ofpreopercle usually serrated, and of-ten excavated to accommodate abony knob; no molar or incisor-liketeeth. Lobotidae – edge of preopercle
strongly toothed; no molar teeth;
dorsal, anal and caudal fins rounded.
Lethrinidae – posterior tip of maxilla
overlapping premaxilla; 8–11 soft
dorsal-fin rays (9–17 in Sparidae);incisor-like teeth never present.
(M. Matsunuma)

Acanthopagrus pacificus
Iwatsuki, Kume & Yoshino, 2010
Pacific Seabream
D XI, 11; A III, 8; P1 15; LLp 42–46.
Body deep and moderately compressed; mouth slightly oblique; lips
thick; 6 canines anteriorly in upper
jaw, 6 in lower jaw; ventral edge ofanterior two infraorbitals straight injuveniles, but a moderately curved
concavity in adults. Second anal-fin
spine robust, clearly longer than 3rd;caudal fin slightly forked, with rounded lobes. Scale rows between 5th dorsal fin spine base and lateral line 3½;
front edge of predorsal fin scaly area
on head slightly convex, without small
scales. Color: head and body slivery
gray, whitish ventrally; pectoral finhyaline or somewhat dusky dorsally;other fins dusky. Size: 45 cm SL. Distribution: West Central Pacific, fromthe Ryukyu Islands south to northern
Australia. Remarks: found in shallow
coastal waters; juvenile entering lower
reaches of rivers.
(M. Matsunuma)

Acanthopagrus pacificus, KAUM–I. 32902, 18.0 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 30 Oct. 2010

151

POLYNEMIDAE
Threadfins

Body elongate to moderately
deep, compressed; size from about
10 to 200 cm. Snout obtusely conical, overhanging. Adipose eyelid
covering eye. Mouth ventral, nearhorizontal and large; lip on upper jaw
absent or poorly-developed; maxilla
extending beyond level of posterior
margin of eye; supramaxilla absent.
Teeth villiform in broad bands onjaws, vomer, palatines and ectopterygoids (vomerine teeth absent in somespecies); canine, molariform or incisiform teeth absent. 7 branchiostegal rays, one ray present on epihyal.
Two well-separated dorsal fins; firstdorsal fin with 7 or 8 spines; second
dorsal fin with a spine and 11 to 18
soft rays. Anal fin with 2 or 3 spinesand 10 to 18 soft rays. Pectoral finsdivided into an upper part with 12 to
19 rays joined by membrane and alower part with 3 to 16 separate softrays (pectoral filaments). Pelvic finswith a spine and 5 soft rays. Caudal
fin deeply forked. Scales weakly

2 dorsal fins well separated
adipose eyelid

lower pectoral-fin rays
forming pectoral filaments

ctenoid, extending onto head; scales
covering most of dorsal, pectoral, analand caudal fins; lateral line extending onto posterior margin of caudal
fin; trisegmental pterygiophores absent. Vertebrae 10 precaudal and 14
or 15 caudal; supraneural bones 0 to
3. Color: silvery, golden or brown. A
large black spot at anterior lateral line
or several longitudinal dark stripes insome species.

Remarks: taken over sandy or
muddy bottoms in tropical and subtropical coastal, brackish and frshwaters. Feeds mainly on crustaceans
and small fishes. Some species hermaphrodites.
Similar families occurring in
the area: pectoral fin and filamentcharacters (see above description)
distinguish Polynemidae from allother families.
(H. Motomura)

Eleutheronema tetradactylum(Shaw, 1804)
Fourfinger Threadfin
D VIII + I, 13–15; A III, 14–16; P1
15–19 + 4 filaments; P2 I, 5; LLp 71–
80; GR 6–18. Body elongate, moderately compressed. Posterior margin of
maxilla extending well beyond a vertical through posterior margin of adipose eyelid. Upper jaw length 5.9–7.1
in standard length. Anterior parts oflower jaw with small teeth extending
onto lateral surface, adjacent portionof lip absent; tooth plate extension
onto lateral surface of lower jaw 11.1–
14.3 in standard length; vomer withdeciduous tooth plates on both sides,
except in juveniles. Longest pectoral
filament not reaching origin of analfin. Swimbladder absent. Color: upper sides of head and trunk with slightdarkish silver tinge, becoming lighter
on lower sides. Anterior margins of

Eleutheronema tetradactylum, KAUM–I. 32955, 18.6 cm SL
Rayong, 31 Oct. 2010

first and second dorsal fins blackish,remaining parts translucent and slightly blackish, respectively; pectoral fin
vivid yellow (dusky yellow in large
specimens over ca. 350 mm standard
length). Size: maximum total length
about 200 cm. Distribution: distributed in the Indo-West Pacific, from thePersian Gulf east to Papua New Guinea and northern Australia. Remarks:
generally occurs on continental shelves
on muddy and sandy substrata, andfrequently enters brackish waters, especially as juveniles. Sex changing
male to female with growth.
(H. Motomura)

152

Polynemus aquilonaris
Motomura, 2003

Polynemus aquilonaris, KAUM–I. 23381, 9.7 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 22 Sept. 2009

Northern Paradise Fish
D VIII + I, 15–19; A III, 11–13; P1
15–17; P1 filaments 7; P2 I, 5; LLP
80–86; GR 25–29. Body elongate,
compressed. Snout pointed; occipitalprofile nearly straight. Posterior margin of maxilla extending well beyond
level of posterior margin of adipose
eyelid. Depth of posterior margin of
maxilla slightly less than eye diameter; lip on lower jaw well developed,
dentary teeth restricted to dorsal surface; teeth villiform in broad bands onvomer, palatines and ectopterygoids.

Posterior margin of preopercle serrated. First pectoral filament shortest, notreaching to level of posterior tip ofpelvic fin; sixth pectoral filament,
usually longest, its length 260 to 371%of standard length, extending well beyond posterior tips of caudal-fin lobes.
Caudal fin deeply forked, upper andlower caudal-fin lobes not filamentous. Color: body greyish silver dorsally, silver ventrally. Pectoral fintranslucent; base of pectoral filaments
white, becoming blackish on posterior

tips. Base and posterior margin of pelvic fin white, remaining parts translucent. Size: maximum standard length
at least 16 cm. Distribution: the Chao
Phraya River system (Thailand), Mekong River system below the Khone
waterfalls of Laos (Cambodia, southernmost of Laos and southern Viet
Nam). Remarks: occurs on sandy or
muddy bottoms in freshwater rivers
and estuaries. Feeds on crustaceans,small fishes, and benthic organisms.
(H. Motomura)

153

SCIAENIDAE
Croakers

Small to large fishes, reaching
200 cm standard length. Body moderately elongate, compressed. Body,
except snout tip, completely covered
with scales. Enlarged teeth always
form outer series in upper jaw, inner series in lower jaw; vomer andpalatines without teeth. Dorsal fin
continuous, with deep notch between
anterior and posterior portions; with
VIII to X spines anteriorly and I
spines and 21 to 44 soft rays posteriorly; base of posterior portion much
longer than anal fin base. Anal fin
with II spines and 6 to 12 soft rays.
Caudal fin emarginate to pointed,
never deeply forked. Pelvic fins with
I spine and 5 soft rays. Lateral line
scales extending to posterior marginof caudal fin. Swimbladder well developed with thick wall, with horn-

dorsal fin continuous with deep notch
lateral line scales
extending onto caudal fin

anal fin with 2 spines

like, tube-like, or arborescent appendages. Color: variable from silvery to
black; with spots and dark bands insome species.
Remarks: occurs in coastal waters, estuaries and rivers. No records
from oceanic island groups distantly
separated from a continental shelf.
Usually found over muddy or sandy

bottoms.
Similar families occurring in
the area: the following combinationof characters distinguish Sciaenidae
from all other families: anal fin with
II spines and lateral line scales extending to posterior margin of caudal
fin.
(H. Motomura)

Aspericorvina jubata(Bleeker, 1855)
Prickly Croaker
D XI, 22–25; A II, 7–9; P2 I, 5; LGR
6–9. Body moderately deep. No barbel
on chin. Snout profile rounded. Larger
teeth in outer row and smaller teeth ininner row on upper jaw; villiform
teeth on lower jaw. Ctenoid scales,with 5–6 strong spines posteriorly oneach scale, covering on head, anterodorsal portion of body, throat, andabdomen; cycloid scales on remaining
parts of body. Swimbladder carrotshaped, with about 16 pairs of appendages. Color: body light gray dorsally,
silver ventrally. Opercle with large
dark blotch. Dorsal fin translucent
white, with dark yellow margin. Pectoral fin translucent yellow with scattered melanophores. Pelvic and anal
fins whitish. Caudal fin yellowish
white. Size: maximum standard length
16 cm. Distribution: distributed in
the Gulf of Thailand, Sumatra, andBorneo. Remarks: occurs in shallow
coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers.
(H. Motomura)

Aspericorvina jubata, KAUM–I. 22948, 9.9 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 31 Aug. 2009

154

Bahaba polykladiskos(Bleeker, 1852)
Spine Bahaba
D XI, 27–30; A II, 7; P2 I, 5; LGR
7–8. Body relatively elongate, withslender caudal peduncle. No barbel on
chin. Snout profile somewhat pointed.
Posterior margin of maxilla extending
beyond vertical through middle ofeye; larger teeth in outer row andsmaller teeth in inner row on upper
jaw. Cycloid scales covering on snout
and cheek; ctenoid scales on remaining parts of body; caudal fin thickly
covered with small scales. Swimbladder carrot-shaped, with one pair of extremely long and simple appendages
at anterior end of swimbladder. Color:body gray dorsally, silver ventrally.
Dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, and anal finstranslucent white. Caudal fin yellowish white. Size: maximum standard
length 40 cm. Distribution: distributed in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam,
and Borneo. Remarks: occurs in shallow coastal waters and estuaries.
(H. Motomura)

Bahaba polykladiskos, KAUM–I. 23358, 7.9 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 22 Sept. 2009

Boesemania microlepis, KAUM–I. 32752, 10.6 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 23 Oct. 2010

Boesemania microlepis(Bleeker, 1858)
Boeseman Croaker
D X–XI, 27–34; A II, 7; P2 I, 5; LGR
7–12. Body moderately deep, withslender caudal peduncle. No barbel on
chin. Larger teeth in outer row andsmaller teeth in inner row on upper
jaw; larger teeth in inner row on lower
jaw. Second anal-fin spine strong andlong, its length nearly half of headlength. Cycloid scales covering on
snout and cheek; ctenoid scales on remaining parts of body. Caudal fin
pointed, thickly covered with small
scales. Swimbladder carrot-shaped,with pair of anteriorly directed appendages and 5–6 pairs of posteriorly
directed appendages. Color: bodybrown dorsally, yellowish silver ventrally. Pectoral fin translucent yellow,
with scattered melanophores; otherfins yellowish white. Size: maximum
standard length about 100 cm. Distribution: distributed in Vietnam, Laos,
Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, andIndonesia (Sumatra). Remarks: occurs in estuaries and rivers.
(H. Motomura)

Dendrophysa russelli, KAUM–I. 32692, 8.4 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 22 Oct. 2010

Dendrophysa russelli(Cuvier, 1829)
Goatee Croaker
D XI, 25–28; A II, 7; P2 I, 5; LGR
8–10. Body relatively deep. Mouth inferior; posterior margin of maxilla notextending beyond a vertical throughposterior margin of orbit. A pointed
barbel on chin. Swimbladder carrotshaped, with about 14–17 pairs of fanlike appendages along its sides; firstpair entering head beyond transverse
septum. Color: body gray dorsally,
white ventrally. A dark brown broadband on nape. Opercle with a deep
blue blotch. Spinous portion of dorsal
fin faintly edged with black. Size:maximum standard length 25 cm. Distribution: distributed in the eastern
Indian Ocean and the western central
Pacific Ocean, from the Bay of Bengal
east to southern China, the Philippinesand eastern Indonesia. Remarks: occurs in coastal waters and estuaries.
(H. Motomura)

155

Johnius amblycephalus(Bleeker, 1855)
Bearded Croaker
D XI, 23–26; A II, 7; P2 I, 5; LGR
6–9. Body moderately elongate. A
stiff, blunt barbel on chin. Teeth differentiated into large and small in upper jaw, villiform teeth only in lower
jaw. Second to fifth dorsal fin spines
prolonged. Scales on head and body
cycloid; small scales covering softrayed portions of dorsal and anal fins.
Swimbladder hammershaped, with 14
or 15 pairs of arborescent appendages
along its sides, first pair entering headbeyond transverse septumand sending
a palmate branch to the front of pectoral arch. Color: body b black or darkbrown dorsally, whitish or cream yellow ventrally; prolonged spinous portion of dorsal fin black distally. Size:maximum standard length about 25

Johnius amblycephalus, KAUM–I. 23187, 13.7 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 8 Sept. 2009

cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific,
from Pakistan east to southern China
and northeastern Australia. Remarks:
occurs in shallow coastal waters andestuaries.
(H. Motomura)Johnius carouna(Cuvier, 1830)
Caroun Croaker
D XI, 26–30; A II, 7; P2 I, 5; LGR
10–12. Body moderately deep. No
barbel on chin. Snout profile rounded.
Larger teeth in outer row and smaller
teeth in inner row on upper jaw; villiform teeth on lower jaw. Cycloid
scales covering on snout, cheek, andthroat; ctenoid scales on remaining
parts of body; small scales coveringsoft-rayed portions of dorsal and anal
fins. Swimbladder hammer-shaped,with 14 or 15 pairs of arborescent appendages. Color: body light gray dorsally, silver ventrally. Opercle yellowish. Upper pectoral fin yellowish with
scattered melanophores; lower fintranslucent white. Anterior pelvic fin
pale yellow, remaining part whitish.
Lower margins of anal and caudal fins
yellowish; remaining parts whitish.
Size: maximum standard length about
25 cm. Distribution: distributed in
the Indo-West Pacific, from India east
to Borneo and southern China. Remarks: occurs in shallow coastal waters and estuaries.
(H. Motomura)Johnius carouna, KAUM–I. 22946, 8.2 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 31 Aug. 2009

156

Johnius heterolepis
Bleeker, 1873
Largescale Croaker
D XI–XII, 25–28; A II, 7; P2 I, 5;
LGR 9–11. Body moderately deep. No
barbel on chin. Snout profile pointed.
Larger teeth in outer row and smaller
teeth in inner row on upper jaw; villiform teeth on lower jaw. Scales onflank larger than pored lateral-line
scales; cycloid scales covering on
snout, cheek, and anterior half of opercle; ctenoid scales on remaining partsof body; small scales covering softrayed portions of dorsal and anal fins.
Swimbladder hammer-shaped, with
14pairs of arborescent appendages.
Color: body grayish to yellowish graydorsally, yellowish silver ventrally.
Opercle blackish. Pectoral and caudal

Johnius heterolepis, KAUM–I. 32691, 12.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 22 Oct. 2010

fins yellowish. Anterior portions ofpelvic and anal fins yellowish, remaining parts whitish. Size: maximum standard length about 15 cm.
Distribution: previously known only
from Malaysia and Indonesia; the pho-tographed specimen may represent thefirst record of the species from northern Gulf of Thailand. Remarks: occurs in shallow coastal waters.
(H. Motomura)

Otolithes ruber(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Tigertooth Croaker
D X–XI, 26–30; A II, 7; P2 I, 5; LGR
8–11. Body slender, cylindrical. Snoutnot swollen or projecting, its dorsal
profile rising evenly to dorsal fin origin. Posterior margin of maxilla reaching a vertical through posterior marginof orbit. No barbels on chin. Teeth differentiated into large and small in bothjaws, with 1 or 2 pairs of strong canines at front of one or both jaws.
Scales cycloid, but a few ctenoid on
lower part of caudal peduncle. Swimbladder carrot-shaped with 32–36
pairs of fan-like appendages alongsides, each appendage lodged beside
bladder and none widely lapping dorsal surface of bladder wall, first pair
not entering head. Color: body brownish dorsally, silvery with a golden
sheen on middle and ventrally, oftenwith oblique dark streaks dorsally.
Pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins reddish
or light brown. Size: maximum standard length 70 cm. Distribution: widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific,
from South Africa east to southern
China and northeastern Australia. Remarks: occurs in shallow coastal waters to depths of 40 m. Feeds mainly on
prawns and fishes.
(H. Motomura)

Otolithes ruber, KAUM–I. 32687, 14.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 22 Oct. 2010

Otolithes ruber, KAUM–I. 23113, 7.5 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 Sept. 2009

157

MULLIDAE
Goatfishes

Body symmetrical, moderately
elongate and compressed with eyeson opposite sides of head (size to
50 cm). Head moderately depressed.
Mouth small and protractile with inferior lower jaw; a pair of barbels onchin; the cleft slightly oblique; small
conical teeth in jaws, either in villiform bands or in 1 or 2 rows. Scales
finely ctenoid and body completely
scaly. Two well-separated dorsal
fins, the first with VII–VIII slenderspines (first spine often very small);the second fin with 9 soft rays (first
unbranched); anal fin with I spine
and 6–7 soft rays; caudal fin deeply
forked; pectoral fins with 13–18 softrays; pelvic fins with I spine and 5
soft rays; pectoral fins usually shortwith 13 to 18 rays; caudal fin deeply
forked with 13 branched rays.Lateralline complete, following the contourof back, with 27–38 pored scales. Gillmembrane with 3–4 branchiostegals,
pseudobranchiae present, a single
flat spine posteriorly on opercular;
margin of preopercular smooth.
Color: ground color often whit-

2 dorsal fins separated

anal fin with a single spine

2 barbels on chin

ish to light red; most species with
distinctive black, brown, red, or yellow markings; median fins often withstripes or oblique bands.
Remarks: inhabit shallow seas,on open sand or mud bottoms. Carnivorous, feeding on a wide variety ofsmall animals, especially crustaceans
and worms. The barbels, with chemosensory receptors, are actively moved
over or into the sediment to find foodorganisms.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Polymixiidae – the only otherfamily with a pair of long barbels onchin; the species occur in deep water, about 200–400 m. Distinguishedfrom Mullidae by the following
combination of characters: a single,
unnotched dorsal fin with IV–VI
spines; anal fin with III–IV spines;
barbels inserted well behind tip oflower jaw.
(S. Tafzilmeriam S. A. K.)

Parupeneus heptacanthus(Lacepède, 1802)
Cinnabar Goatfish
D VIII + 9; A I, 6; P1 15–17; P2 I, 5;
LLp 27–28; GR 6–7 + 20–23. Body
moderately elongate, its depth 3–3.55
times in standard length. Chin with 2
moderately long slender barbels,
reaching beyond rear edge of preopercle. Anterodorsal profile of head convex. Posterior end of maxilla evenly
convex. Mouth small with a single
row of stout conical teeth on jaws,
teeth large; teeth absent on vomer andpalatines. Opercle with a small flat
spine. Scales ctenoid. First dorsal fin
with groove at the base, 1st spine verysmall. Caudal fin forked. Color: bodybrownish yellow to light red dorsally,
silvery white ventrally; a small reddish
brown spot beneath the lateral line under the rear of the first dorsal fin; dorsal
fin with 2–3 black or dark orange

Parupeneus heptacanthus, KAUM–I. 33221, 17.2 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010

stripes; anal, pelvic and pectoral finspale yellow; caudal fin with dark-oranges cross stripes. Size: maximum
total length about 37 cm, commonly to
25 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific. Re-

marks: occurs singly or in small
groups, over muddy, sandy, rubble, orseagrass bottoms of lagoon and seaward reefs, usually below 15 m.
(S. Tafzilmeriam)

158

Upeneus sulphureus
Cuvier, 1829
Sulpher Goatfish
D VIII + 9; A I, 7–8; P1 14–17; LL
33–36; GR 8–9 + 19–21. Body moderately elongate. Chin with 2 short barbels, 1.4–1.9 in head length. Lachrymal region lacking preorbital scales.
Both jaws, vomer and palatines withteeth. Second dorsal and anal fins withscaled area basally. Color: body silvery greenish or pink dorsally, shading to silver on side and ventrally, with
2 narrow, brassy yellow stripes on sideof body; 1st dorsal fin broadly tippedwith black; caudal fin lacking darkcross bands. Size: reaching to ca. 20
cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific,
including east coast of Africa, IndoMalayan region, Japan, Australia andFiji. Remarks: generally found on
mud substrata at depths of 20–60 m.
(H. Imamura)
Upeneus sulphureus, KAUM–I. 33094, 12.2 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 13 Nov. 2010

Upeneus sundaicus(Bleeker, 1855)
Ochreband Goatfish
D VIII + I, 9; A I, 6; P1 14; P2 I, 5;
LLp 31–32; GR 4–6 + 19–22. Body
moderately elongate and slender, its
depth 3.55 to 4 times in standard
length. Interorbital flat. Chin with 2barbels which usually reach or extend
slightly posterior to rear margin of
preopercle. Opercle with small andweak spines. Mouth small, vililformteeth in a narrow band in jaws, on palatines and in 2 small patches on vomer. Scales large, ctenoid. Spinous ofrays first dorsal fin acute, higher thansecond dorsal fin, 1st spine minute,the 2nd longest and strongest. Caudal
fin forked. Color: body light reddishbrown dorsally, silvery white ventrally. One yellow stripe on body fromeye to caudal peduncle. Dorsal fin
with pale orange stripes; no bars on

Upeneus sundaicus, KAUM–I. 32900, 10.2 cm SL
Ang Sila, 30 Oct. 2010

caudal-fin lobe, caudal fin brownishyellow with dusky lower lobe; pectoral fins pale yellow; pelvic and anal
fins yellowish; barbels yellow; peritoneum pale. Size: commonly to 13 cm.

Distribution: South China Sea, Indian Ocean and northwestern Australia.
Remarks: found in mud or salty sandsubstrata at depth of 3–20 m.
(S. Tafzilmeriam)

159

Upeneus tragula
Richardson, 1846
Freckled Goatfish
D VIII + 9; A I, 7; P1 13–14; P2 I, 5;
LLp 28–30; GR 5–7 + 15–18. Body
elongate, its depth 3.9–4.25 times instandard length. Chin with 2 slenderbarbels, usually not reaching rear margin of preopercle. Mouth small withvilliform teeth in a narrow band injaws, on palatines, and in 2 small
patches on vomer. Opercle with small
and weak spines. Scales large, ctenoid; present on side of snout. Spinousrays of first dorsal fin acute, higher
than second dorsal fin, 1st spine minute, the 2nd longest and strongest. Pelvic fins equal to pectoral fins. Caudal
fin forked. Color: highly variable incolour, from red, to irregular dots andblotches on body; 3 dark blotches on
first dorsal and 2 dark blotches on second dorsal; a dark reddish brown to
blackish stripe from snout through behind eye to base of caudal fin; headand body above stripe brownish togreenish gray, flecked with small dark
reddish brown or blackish spots; dorsal, pelvic, anal and both caudal-fin
lobes with brown blackish stripes sep-

Upeneus tragula, KAUM–I. 33049, 11.0 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 9 Nov. 2010arated by narrow white stripes; barbels
usually yellow; peritoneum whitish.
Size: maximum total length about 33
cm, commonly to 25 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks:
found over sand and mud bottoms

near coral reefs, to a depth of 40 m;
also common in estuaries. Generally
solitary, but forms small to moderately
large aggregations at all sizes.
(S. Tafzilmeriam)

160

PEMPHERIDAE
Sweepers

Small to moderate sized (to 30cm) marine fishes. Body compress,
very deep (Pempheris) or slender
single dorsal fin with IV–VII, 7–12
(Parapriacanthus). Eye very large.
Snout short. Maxilla broad, reaching to below pupil. Teeth small, in eye very large
band in jaws, on palatine, and in
V-shaped patch on vomer. Gill rakers long, usually 25–31. Dorsal finsingle, with IV–VII graduated spinesand 7–12 soft rays. Anal fin with
III (rarely II) spines and 17–45 soft
rays. Pelvic fin with I spine and 5
soft rays. Lateral line scales usually
anal fin with III (rarely II), 17–45
40–82. Scales vary from ctenoid andadherent to cycloid and deciduous.
Color: variable (e.g., silvery, pinkish, yellowish and brownish).
ledges, dispersing at night to feed in- area: Berycidae – pelvic fin with
Remarks: usually seen by day dependently on zooplankton.
7–13 soft rays.
(H. Imamura)in aggregations in caves or beneath
Similar family occurring in thePempheris oualensis
Cuvier, 1831
Copper Sweeper
D VI, 9–10 (usually 9); A III, 36–45;
P1 16–18 (usually 17); LL 54–79; GR
7–10 + 19–26. Body very deep at origin of dorsal fin, strongly tapering tonarrow caudal peduncle; body depth
about 1.9–2.4 in standard length; prepelvic area narrow and keeled. Base ofanal fin very long; caudal fin slightly
forked. Body covered by ctenoid
scales except for chest with cycloid;
5–6 scale rows between lateral line
and dorsal fin base. Color: bodybronze, darker dorsally; dorsal fin
with a dark leading edge that expands
distally to produce dark tips on thefirst 2 or 3 soft rays; base and axil of
pectoral fin dark to black. Size: maximum length 18 cm. Distribution:eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, from northern Australia to thePhilippines, east to Micronesia. Remarks: found in coastal rocky reefs.
(M. Matsunuma)

Pempheris oualensis, KAUM–I. 47444, 10.7 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 20 June 2012

161

TOXOTIDAE
Archerfishes

Small to medium sized fishes (toabout 50 cm). Body oval or rhomboidal-shaped and moderately compressed. Eye large, diameter nearly
equal to snout length. Mouth moderately large, protractile, with lower
jaw protruding; angle of jaw oblique,maxilla slender, scaly and without asupplemental bone. Fine villiform
teeth on jaws, vomer, and palatines;
a deep longitudinal groove on roofof mouth, which is converted to a
tube when tongue is pressed against
it. First gill arch with 2–8 gill rakers
on lower limb. Dorsal fin single with
IV–VI spines and 11–14 soft rays;
anal fin with III spines and 15–18
soft rays; pelvic fins with I spine and5 soft rays; pectoral fins with 11–15
rays; caudal fin truncate to slightly
emarginate. Scales moderate to relatively large and ctenoid, coveredhead and median fins. Color: most
species silvery white with a patternsingle dorsal fin with IV–VI, 11–14

a deep longitudinalgroove on roof of mouth

anal fin with III, 15–18

of dark bars, large spots, or irregular
stripes on sides. Remarks: inhabit
mangrove shores, estuaries, and fresh
waters, always in shallow depths. Exhibit impressive hunting techniques inwhich they use jets of water to knock
aerial insects into the water where
they can be eaten.

Similar families occurring in
the area: Pempheridae – snout blunt,
dorsal-fin base short, positioned
above pectoral fins; anal fin long,usually with more than 30 soft rays;
occur in marine rather than estuarine
and fresh-water habitats.
(U. Satapoomin)

Toxotes chatareus(Hamilton, 1822)
Spotted Archerfish
D IV–VI, 12–14; A III, 15–17; P1
11–14; LLp 29–37; LGR 5–7. Body
shape rhomboid, moderately compressed. Eye large. Mouth moderately
large, protractile, with lower jaw protruding; longitudinal axis from tip ofsnout to caudal fin passing throughcenter of eye. Dorsalfin spines usuallyV, fourth spine usually the longest.
Scales in lateral line usually 29–32;
horizontal scale rows above lateralline 3–5, below lateral line 9–11. Color: silvery white with 6 or 7 variablyshaped blotched along the sides ofbody; caudal fin pale yellowish; anal
fin pale basally, outer half of the fin
blackish. Size: maximum length about
50 cm, rarely exceeding 35 cm. Distribution: Eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, from Sri Lanka and India to
New Guinea and northern Australia.
Remarks: inhabits mangrove shores,
estuaries, and fresh waters. Feeds onterrestrial insects.
(U. Satapoomin)

Toxotes chatareus, KAUM–I. 33199, 8.5 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 26 Nov. 2010

162

KYPHOSIDAE

Sea Chubs (Rudder Fishes)
Medium-sized fishes (to 75 cm);
body oblong or elliptical, moderately
compressed. Head small. Snout short.
Posteroventral corner of preopercle
serrate. Opercle with 2 small, weak
retrorse spines. Eye moderately small,its diameter shorter than snout length.
Mouth small and terminal, single rowof lanceolate incisor-like teeth on both
jaws; minute canine-like teeth in 2 or
3 rows medial to incisor-like teeth;
palatines, vomer, and tongue witha band of villiform teeth. Preorbital
narrow, covering little of maxilla;
maxilla barely reaching eye. Dorsal
fin continuous, beginning above origin of pelvic fins, with XI spines and
12 to 15 soft rays; anal fin beginningslightly behind middle of body, with
III spines and 11 to 14 soft rays; pectoral fins bluntly pointed posteriorly,
with 16 to 20 rays, slightly longer thanpelvic fins; pelvic fins beginning alittle behind pectoral-fin base; caudal
fin more or less forked, with pointed

single dorsal fin with XI, 12–15

single row of lanceolate
incisor-like teeth on both jaws

anal fin with III, 11–14

lobes. Scales ctenoid and not deciduous, extending onto most of soft portions of dorsal and anal fins and proximal part of caudal fin. Color: dull olive
or silvery black, lighter below; distinct
longitudinal lines on sides.
Remarks: occurs on rocky andcoral reefs in tropical and temperate waters. Herbivorous, feeding pri-marily on benthic algae. Schooling,sometimes in a group of mixed species of other kyphosids.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Sparidae – molar teeth
often present; pectoral fins long. Lethrinidae – head much larger; lateral
teeth conical or molar-like; pectoral
fins long.
(U. Satapoomin)

Kyphosus cinerascens(Forsskål, 1775)
Blue Sea Chub
D XI, 11–13 (usually 12); A III, 10–
12 (usually 11); P1 18; LLp 49–52; GR
7–9 + 19–22 = 26–31. Body ovate,
compressed. Snout short, subequal toor shorter than eye diameter; dorsal
contour of snout slightly steep. Mouth
terminal; teeth incisor-like. Base ofspinous portion of dorsal fin longer
than base of soft rayed portion; softrayed portion of fin well elevated, anterior soft rays clearly longer than longest dorsal fin spine; anterior softrayed portion of anal fin well elevated,
similar to soft rayed portion of dorsal
fin; caudal fin slightly forked withpointed lobes. Nine to twelve (usually
10 or 11) scales between lateral line
and dorsal fin origin; 17–21 (usually
18–20) scales between lateral line toanal fin origin. Color: body bluishdorsally, dusky grayish ventrally, withseveral bluish brown longitudinallines on flank, large specimens (about

Kyphosus cinerascens, KAUM–I. 23875, 13.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 26 Sept. 2009

40 cm SL) uniformly dusky or dark
blue dorsally; head with 2 obliquebrown or bluish brown bands; onethrough eye, the other one below eye;dorsal and anal fins dark blue, marginof soft portion with darker band; pectoral fins silver blue near base, distal
half slightly darker. Size: commonly

40 cm; maximum 50 cm TL. Distribution: widespread in the Indo-West
Pacific, including the Red Sea, fromSouth Africa east to Australia; northto southern Japan. Remarks: inhabits
coastal areas, primarily coral androcky reefs, often occurring on inner
reefs. Herbivorous. (M. Matsunuma)

163

Kyphosus vaigiensis(Quoy and Gaimard, 1825)

Kyphosus vaigiensis, KAUM–I. 23873, 15.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 26 Sept. 2009

Brassy Chub
D X–XI, 13–15; A III, 12–13; P1
18–20; LLp 51–55; GR 8–10 + 21–24.
Body ovate, compressed. Snout short;
dorsal contour of snout steep. Mouth
terminal; maxilla barely reaching toeye level; teeth incisor-like, fixed, in asingle row on both jaws. Gill rakers on
first gill arch usually 9 on upper limb,
usually 22 or 23 on lower limb. Dorsal
fin usually with XI spines, the sixth orseventh spines longest, and usuallywith 14 soft rays; anterior soft-rayed
portion not elevated, a little shorter or

as long as longest dorsal-fin spine;
anal fin usually with 13 soft rays, anterior portion not elevated; pectoral finsusually with 19 soft rays; caudal fin
shallowly forked with pointed lobes.
Pored scales in lateral line usually 52
or 53; scales above lateral line 11–14(usually 12 or 13); scales below lateralline 18–21 (usually 18 or 19). Color:body bluish brown dorsally, silver
ventrally, with several olive brown or
yellow longitudinal lines on flank;
head with 2 oblique olive brownbands; dorsal and anal fins dark blue,
margin of soft portion with darker
band. Size: maximum length about 60
cm, commonly to 40 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, from South
Africa and Red Sea to Easter Islands.
Remarks: inhabits coastal areas, primarily in coral and rocky reefs, occasionally forming schools with otherkyphosid fishes. Mainly harbivorous,
feeding chiefly on seaweeds and associated invertebrates. (U. Satapoomin)

164

DREPANIDAE
Sicklefishes

Body oval and strongly compressed (up to 50 cm). Interorbital,
preorbital, and broad preopercularflange naked; opercle scaly dorsally;
ventral edge of preopercle serrate injuveniles. Mouth highly protrusible,
forming a downward-pointing tube
when protruded; jaws with bands ofsetiform teeth; no teeth on roof ofmouth; maxilla exposed posteriorly,
no supramaxilla. Branchiostegal
membranes joined to isthmus; branchiostegal rays 6. A single dorsal
fin, with VIII–X spines and 19–22
soft rays; anal fin with III spines and
16–19 soft rays; caudal fin roundedor bluntly wedge-shaped (almost
truncate in large adults); pectoral finselongate, falciform, reaching caudal
peduncle, with 16–18 rays; pelvic
fins with I spine, 5 soft rays, and afleshy axillary process. Scales small,finely ctenoid, extending onto top ofhead and base of median fins; lateralline complete, strongly curved over
pectoral fin; lateral-line scales 48–
55. Vertebrae 10 + 14 = 24. Color:

single dorsal fin with VIII–X, 19–22
body very deep andstrongly compressedcaudal fin rounded or
bluntly wedge-shaped

pectoral fins elongate,
falcate, reaching caudal
pedunclesilvery gray above, silverywhite below, with dusky spots or gray verticalbars.
Remarks: inhabits a variety ofhabitats including sand or mud bottoms, coral reefs, estuaries and harbours. Mostly caught with trawls.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Chaetodontidae and Pentacerotidae – mouth not highly pro-anal fin with III, 16–19

trusible; no notch between spinousand soft-rayed portions of dorsal fin.
Ephippidae – pectoral fins short, notreaching past anal-fin base; mouth
not protrusible. Scatophagidae – IVanal-fin spines; head profile concave.
Monodactylidae – mouth not highly
protrusible; pectoral fins shorter thanhead; eye centered on horizontal axis
through mouth.
(M. Matsunuma)

Drepane punctata(Linnaeus, 1758)
Spotted Sicklefish
D VIII–X, 20–22; A III, 16–19; P1
16–18; LLp 46–50; GR 5 + 10–11.
Body oval and strongly compressed,
its depth 1.2–1.3 in SL. Mouth highly
protrusible, forming a downwardpointing tube when protruded. Caudal
fin rounded or bluntly wedgeshaped(almost truncate in large adults); pectoral fins elongate, falciform, reachingcaudal peduncle. Large adults with abump or bony knob on interorbital region, a result of hyperostosis of frontalbones. Color: generally silvery with agreenish tinge on upper half of body;
5–10 series of black spots arranged invertical lines on dorsal part of bodyfrom below dorsal fin to caudal peduncle. Size: maximum length about
40 cm. Distribution: temperate andDrepane punctata, KAUM–I. 32897, 12.9 cm SL
Ang Sila, 30 Oct. 2010
tropical Indo-West Pacific, from Red
Sea and east coast of Africa to New
Guinea, Samoa, and northern Austra- occurs in inshore habitats, such as ies. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.
(M. Matsunuma)
lia, north to southern Japan. Remarks: sand or mud bottoms, reefs and estuar-

165

CHAETODONTIDAE
Butterflyfishes

Small sized (up to 30 cm) marine
fishes, with body deep and highly
compressed. Head short; preopercle
smooth. Eye moderately small, nearlocated on longitudinal axis fromtip of snout to middle of caudal fin.
Snout highly variable, very short toextremely elongate. Mouth small,terminal, protractile; teeth bristlelike, curved, arranged in rows orbands across jaws; vomer and palatines without teeth. Branchiostegalrays 6 or 7. Gill rakers short. A single dorsal fin, usually with X–XIV
strong, stout spines and 15–30 softrays; no notch between spinous andsoft rayed portions of dorsal fin. Anal
fin with III–V strong, stout spinesand 14–23 soft rays: interspinous
membranes deeply incised; marginusually rounded but sometimes angular. Pectoral fin with 13–15 rays.
Pelvic fin with I stout spine and 5 soft
rays. Caudal fin rounded to slightly
emarginate. Scales ctenoid, covering
head, body, and median fins; scaly
axillary process at upper base of pelvic fins; number of lateral line scalesvariable, 20–90. Vertebrae 11 + 13.

single dorsal fin with
X–XIV, 15–30

scales ctenoid
mouth verysmall

anal fin with III–V, 14–23

Color: most species very brightly colored with complex and varied color
patterns; many species with a dark
occellate “false-eye” spot on posterior
portion of body.
Remarks: generally found oncoral reefs, usually in shallow water
above depths of 20–30 m. Feed oncoral polyps, colonial sea anemones,
tentacles of tubeworms, small crustaceans, zooplankton, and algae. No importance in commercial fisheries; but

commonly treated as an aquarium
fish.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Pomacanthidae – a strong
spine at angle of preopercle; most ofconspicuous species larger and morecolorful. Scatophagidae – dorsal fin
with a deep notch; IV anal fin spines;
mouth not protractile. Zanclidae –strongly produced snout, bony supraocular projections, and only VII
dorsal fin spines.
(Y. Yusuf)

Heniochus acuminatus(Linnaeus, 1758)
Longfin Bannerfish
D XI, 23–27; A III, 16–19; P1 16–17;
LLp 49–52. Body very deep; snout
moderate, pointed. Lateral line complete. Fourth dorsal-fin spine greatly
elongate, filamentous, often exceeding length of body. Caudal fin truncate
to slightly rounded. Color: overall
white, with 2 broad, oblique, blackbands on sides, the first continuouswith black pelvic fins and the second
from middle of spinous portion of dorsal fin to posterior half, but not extending anteriorly to longest soft rayof anal fin; soft dorsal and caudal fins
yellow; snout and interorbital largely
blackish. Size: maximum length about
20 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific,
from East Africa to Hawaii and Society Islands. Remarks: inhabits coral
reefs at depths of 2–40 m. Occurs singly, in pairs or in small aggregations.
Omnivorous.
(U. Satapoomin)

Heniochus acuminatus, KAUM–I. 33216, 10.4 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010

166

Parachaetodon ocellatus(Cuvier, 1831)
Ocellate Coralfish
D VI–VII, 28–30; A III, 18–20; P1
14–15; LR 39–46. Body rounded, almost circular; its depth 1.3–1.4 in SL.
Dorsal fin triangular in shape and first
soft ray at apex. Color: head and body
pearly white, with five dusky to orange bands; the first band through theeye orange, with black edges; an ocellated black spot in forth body band;
band on caudal peduncle with a silver
anterior margin; upper portion of dorsal fin mostly yellow. Size: maximum
length about 17 cm. Distribution:eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, from Sri Lanka eastward
throughout the Indo-Malayan region,and the Great Barrier Reef northward
to the Ryukyu Islands, Japan. Remarks: inhabits lagoons and coral
reefs at depths of 3 to 50 m. Occurs inpairs on flat sand or silty bottoms oncoastal reefs. Adults school over open
muddy substrates in deep water; juveniles sometimes in large lagoons withseagrasses in depths of about 5 m or
more.
(Y. Yusuf)

Parachaetodon ocellatus, KAUM–I. 32808, 11.1 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

167

TERAPONTIDAE

Grunters (Tigerperches)
Small to medium-sized (to 35cm) perch-like fishes. Body oblongand slightly to moderately compressed. Mouth moderate, protractile, upper jaw not extending beyond
center of orbit; jaw teeth usually invilliform bands, shape of teeth conical, flattened, or tricuspidate; vomer
and palatines toothless in adults
of most species. Opercle bearing
2 spines, the lower one larger andstronger; posttemporal bone exposedand expanded posteriorly, with posterior margin serrate in some species.
Dorsal fin single, notched, with XI–
XIV spines and 8–14 soft rays; anal
fin with III and 7–12 soft rays; pelvic
fins inserted behind base of pectorals,with I spine and 5 soft rays; caudal
fin usually emarginate. Scales adherent, finely ctenoid; lateral line single
and complete, reaching on caudal
fin. Color: body tan or light gray, often silvery in life with various dark

single dorsal fin with XI–XIV, 8–14

2 opercular spines

anal fin with III, 7–12

markings; most marine species with 3
or more dark, straight or downwardly
curved longitudinal stripes on body;some with dark transverse bands on
lobes of caudal fin. Remarks: marine
terapontids inhabit inshore marine andbrackish waters, with some species
also entering hypersaline and fresh

waters. Similar families occurringin the area: Serranidae – mouthlarge, with upper jaw typically reaching to below vertical through posterior margin of eye; caudal fin typicallyrounded; 3 strong spines on opercle.
Kuhliidae – dorsal fin with X spines.
(M. Matsunuma)

Pelates quadrilineatus(Bloch, 1790)
Fourlined Terapon
D XII–XIII, 9–11; A III, 9–10; LLp
66–75; GR 16–18 + 22–27. Body oblong and compressed laterally. Preopercle serrate; lower opercular spine
stronger and longer, but not extending
beyond margin of opercular lobe;
posttemporal bone not expanded or
exposed posteriorly, covered with skinand scales. Color: body silvery white,grayish dorsally; 4–6 narrow darkbrown or black horizontal stripes onbody; spinous portion of dorsal fin
with a black blotch dorsally on membranes between third to seventh dorsal-fin spines; a large black blotch onside of body posterior to nape; lobes
of caudal fin without prominent transverse black stripes. Size: maximum
length about 30 cm, commonly to 20
cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific:
Red Sea and East Africa to New Guinea, northern Australia north to Japan.
Remarks: often found in brackish waters. Feeds on small fishes and invertebrates.
(M. Matsunuma)

Pelates quadrilineatus, KAUM–I. 32878, 10.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 27 Oct. 2010

168

Pelates sexlineatus(Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Sixlined Terapon
D XI–XII, 9–11; A III, 9–11; P1 14–
15; LLp 76–87; GR 6–7 + 14–15 (20–22). A small species; body oblong,slightly compressed. Preopercle serrate; lower opercular spine stronger
and longer, extending nearly to marginof opercular lobe; posttemporal bone
not exposed posteriorly, covered withskin and scales. Teeth, tricuspidate
with cusps of nearly equal size, arranged in bands in each jaw. Color:body grayish to bluish dorsally, silver
to silvery white ventrally; 5 to 8 narrow, dark brown or black horizontal
stripes on body, the midlateral stripe
extending onto caudal-fin base; ablotch of variable intensity on side ofbody posterior to nape; caudal fin withdark border. Size: maximum total
length about 32 cm, commonly between 18 and 24 cm. Distribution:
Singapore to Australia in the east andsouth; northwards to China and Okinawa (Japan). Remarks: marine inshore water. Feeds on invertebrates
and small fishes.
(U. Satapoomin)

Pelates sexlineatus, KAUM–I. 22859, 10.6 cm SL
Ang Sila, 31 Aug. 2009

Terapon jarbua(Forsskål, 1775)
Jarbus Terapon
D XI–XII, 9–11; A III, 7–10; LLp
75–100; GR 6–8 + 12–15. Body oblong and moderately compressed. Preopercle strongly serrate, particularly atangle; lower opercular spine very longand strong, extending distinctly beyond
margin of opercular lobe; posttemporalbone expanded, exposed and serrate
posteriorly. Caudal fin emarginate.
Color: body silvery white, grayish dorsally; 3 or 4 dark brown or black downwardly curved longitudinal stripes onbody; spinous portion of dorsal fin witha blackish blotch dorsally on membranes between third and sixth spines;
both caudal-fin lobes with dark tips anda transverse band. Size: maximum
length about 35 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Samoa, northto southern Japan, south to Australia.
Remarks: found over shallow sandy
bottoms, in the vicinity of river mouths;
enters estuaries and rivers.
(M. Matsunuma)

Terapon jarbua, KAUM–I. 32677, 9.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 22 Oct. 2010

169

Terapon puta
Cuvier, 1829
Small-scaled Terapon
D XI–XII, 9–11; A III, 8–9; LLp
70–85; GR 7–9 + 18–24. A smallsized species; body elongate and laterally compressed. Preopercle strongly
serrate, with large spine at angle; lower opercular spine very long andstrong, extending distinctly beyond
margin of opercular lobe; posttemporal bone expanded, exposed and serrate posteriorly. Caudal fin emarginate. Color: body light gray or brown
dorsally, tan or silvery white ventrally;
4 straight, narrow dark brown longitudinal stripes on body; spinous portionof dorsal fin with a blackish blotch
dorsally between third or fourth andseventh or eighth spines; soft portionof dorsal fin with a black blotch along
top of anterior rays; both caudal fin
lobes with dark tips and a transverse
band. Size: maximum length about 15
cm, commonly between 11 and 13 cm.

Terapon puta, KAUM–I. 32766, 8.4 cm SL
Ang Sila, 23 Oct. 2010

Distribution: Indo-West Pacific: East
Africa to New Guinea and Vanuatu,
and north to Philippines. Remarks:
inhabits inshore waters, sometimes
entering brackish and freshwater andmangrove areas. Feeds on small fishes
and invertebrates. (M. Matsunuma)

Terapon theraps
Cuvier, 1829
Largescaled Terapon
D XI–XII, 9–11; A III, 7–9; P1 14–
15; LLp 46–56; GR 6–8 + 14–17.
Body oblong, moderately compressed.
Preopercle serrate, the serrations largest at angle; lower opercular spine
very long and strong, extending distinctly beyond margin of opercular
lobe; posttemporal bone expanded,
exposed and serrate posteriorly. Spinous part of dorsal fin strongly archedand deeply notched; penultimate spine
about half length of ultimate spine.
Caudal fin emarginate with rounded
lobes. Color: body dusky dorsally, silvery white ventrally; 4 dark brownhorizontal stripes on body; spinouspart of dorsal fin with a black blotch
dorsally on fin membranes between
third and seventh spine; caudal fin
with medial rays pigmented; upper
lobe of caudal fin with dark tip; both
lobes of caudal fin with a dark, trans-

Terapon theraps, KAUM–I. 32972, 8.6cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 1 Nov. 2010verse band. Size: maximum length
about 30 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and Red Sea to
Solomon Islands, northern Australia
north to Japan. Remarks: found in inshore waters, sometimes entering
brackish waters.
(M. Matsunuma)

170

CEPOLIDAE
Bandfishes

Small to medium (up to 40 cm)
elongate marine fishes. Body moderately to noticeably elongate fisheswith compressed, tapering body andlanceolate caudal fin. Head short,with blunt snout. Eyes relatively
large and high on head. Mouth large,
oblique; upper jaw broad at end,
without supramaxilla, and extending
to below posterior margin of eye; asingle row of slender, slightly curved
teeth in jaws with an inner clusterof teeth at symphysis in some species. Dorsal fin continuous, with 0
to IV flexible spines and 21 to 89
segmented rays; anal fin with 0 or I
spine and 13 to 102 segmented rays;
caudal fin lanceolate, middle 9 to 15
rays branched; pelvic fins positioned
below or slightly anterior to pectoral
fins, with I spine and 5 segmented
rays; outermost segmented pelvic-fin
ray unbranched or weakly branched,
4 inner rays distinctly branched. Lat-

Acanthocepola abbreviata(Valenciennes, 1835)

dorsal fin with 0–IV spines and 21–89 soft rays

pelvic fins below
pectoral finscaudal fin
lanceolate

anal fin with 0 or I spine and 13–102 soft rayseral line high on body, close to dorsalfin base, terminating posteriorly nearend of fin; lateral-line tubes or canals
on scales not embedded in skin. Scales
cycloid (smooth) or with crenulate
margins, relatively large to minute.
Color: in life red or pink; most species have a distinctive dark stripe on
the membrane (usually hidden) connecting the premaxillary and maxillary bones of the upper jaw.
Remarks: relatively uncommon
fishes taken by trawls in shallow to

deep depths (to at least 475 m). Occurring on level bottom, sand or mud
substrates.
Similar families occurring in
the area: the combination of a lanceolate tail, large oblique mouth,
and the arrangement of the pelvicfin rays, consisting of I spine and 5
segmented rays (the outermost ray
unbranched or weakly branched andthe inner 4 branched), will distinguish the bandfishes from all otherfamilies.
(M. Matsunuma)

Acanthocepola abbreviata, KAUM–I. 23820, 17.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

Yellowspotted Bandfish
D 64–75; A 63–76; P1 16; P2 I, 5; V
12 + 44–48. Body well elongate andcompressed. Head short, with bluntsnout; eyes large and high on head;mouth large, oblique; preopercularmargin with spines; cheeks scaly. Pelvic fin origin situated slightly anterior
to pectoral fin; caudal fin pointed,
joined to dorsal and anal fins; 8–10
rays branched. Color: head and body

pale pink, reddish dorsally; body with
about 4–5 orange spots (same as pupilsize) on dorsoanteriolly and about
11–13 indistinct orange vertical bars
posteriorly, from mid-point of body tocaudal fin base. Dorsal and anal finsreddish yellow, whitish basally; no
black markings on dorsal fin; pectoral
fin translucent tinged with reddish;pelvic fin white; posterior tip of cau-dal fin dark red to black. Size: maximum length about 30 cm. Distribution: eastern Indian Ocean and West
Pacific from the Gulf of Oman tonorthwestern Australia, north to thePhilippines. Remarks: inhabits mud
or sand bottoms of coastal waters.
Caught mostly with bottom trawls.
(M. Matsunuma)

171

CICHLIDAE
Cichlids

Medium sized fishes, maximum
single dorsal fin with XIII–XIX, 10–16
size about 60 cm. Body compressed,
depth variable, oblong to rhomboidal.
Single nostril on each side of head.
Dorsal fin continuous, with XIII–
lateral line interrupted
XIX spines and 10–16 soft rays; anal
fin with III spines and 7–12 soft rays;
pelvic fins with I spine and 5 softrays; caudal fin rounded or slightly
emarginated. Lateral line interrupted
with 26–40 scales.
Color: highly variable; often mouth small
with bars or blotches on side.
Remarks: found in blackish waanal fin with III, 7–12
ter or freshwater streams. Frequently
the area: Pomacanthidae – a long, cle. Pomacentridae – II anal fin spin
utilized as aquarium fish.
(T. Yoshida)
Similar families occurring in strong spine at the corner of preoper- es.

Oreochromis mossambicus(Peters, 1852)
Mozambique Tilapia
D XV–XVIII, 11–14; A III, 10–11;
LL 30–32; LGR 14–20. Body compressed and deep. Single dorsal fin
with moderately long base. Only asingle nostril on each side of head.
Breeding males with enlarged jaws.
Jaws with 3–5 rows of slender teeth,
bicuspid in outer row. Color: body ofadults with silvery olive to deep blue
gray. Dorsal and caudal fins with red
margins. Caudal fin without distinct
narrow vertical bars. Breeding males
turn deep greyish black with white
lower head and throat. In juveniles, alarge ocellus-like marking present at
posterior portion of dorsal fin. Size:attains about 30 cm SL. Distribution:
exotic species. Introduced and established in warm temperate to tropicalregions in many countries of theworld. Naturally distributed in Southeastern Africa. Remarks: found inlower river reaches, estuaries, lakes
and marshes. well established inbrackish water environments in many
Oreochromis mossambicus, KAUM–I. 23914, 16.4 cm SL
Southeast Asian countries including
Mouth of Thachin River, 28 Sept. 2009
Thailand. Food fish. Presumed hybrid
individuals possessing intermediate vironments in Thailand. Introduced tomorphology between O. niloticus of- Thailand in 1851 from Penang, Maten encountered in brackish water en- laysia.
(P. Musikasinthorn)

172

Oreochromis niloticus(Linnaeus, 1758)
Nile Tilapia
D XV–XVII, 10–13; A III, 9–12; LL
30–34; LGR 20–26. Body compressed
and moderately deep. Single dorsal fin
with moderately long base. Only asingle nostril on each side of head.
Jaws with 3 to 6 row of teeth. Color:body gray with several vertical bars on
body side (sometimes indistinct inadults). Several oblique bars on dorsal
and anal fins. Caudal fin with several
distinct narrow vertical bars. Breeding
males with red flush to head, lower
body, dorsal and caudal fins. In juveniles, a large ocellus-like marking
present at postrerior portion of dorsal
fin. Size: attains about 40 cm SL. Distribution: exotic species. Introduced
and established in warm temperate totropical regions of many countries in
the world. Naturally distributed innorthern and eastern Africa. Remarks: found in rivers, lakes andmarshes. widely established in freshwater environments in south andsoutheast Asia. Tolerent to brackish
water. Introduced to Thailand in 1965
from Japan. One of the most popularfood fishes in Indochina including
Thailand. (see also remarks in O. mossambicus).
(P. Musikasinthorn)
Oreochromis niloticus, KAUM–I. 47481, 8.9 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 23 June 2012

173

POMACENTRIDAE

Damselfishes and Anemonefishes
Small to medium-sized fishes,
usually less than 20 cm. Body compressed, ovate to almost circular,
covered with ctenoid scales usuallyextending onto fins; dorsal fin continuous with VIII–XVII spines andno notch; anal fin with II spines and
10–16 soft rays; caudal fin emarginated to forked or lunate. Lateral line
interrupted; anterior part of pored
scales more or less parallel with dorsal profile and usually ending below
soft portion of dorsal fin; posterior
part comprising several pits or obscure pores along mid-lateral caudal
peduncle; snout usually short andblunt; mouth small, slightly protractile; teeth conical or compressed,
uniserial or in 2 or more rows; noteeth on palatine.
Color: highly variable; mainly
from pale through yellowish, orange,
reddish or bluish to blackish; sometimes with blotches, bands, spots, or

single dorsal fin with VIII–XVII spines

lateral line interrupted

mouth small

anal fin with II, 10–16

other patterns.
Remarks: found in coastal waters
such as bays, coral reefs and rocky
shores, and often enter brackish estuaries or freshwater streams. Frequently utilized as aquarium fish.

Similar families occurring in
the area: Pomacanthidae – a long,strong spine at the corner of preopercle. Chaetodontidae – elongate,somewhat tube-like snout.
(K. Shibukawa)

Abudefduf vaigiensis(Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)
Indo-Pacific Sergeant
D XIII, 12–14; A II, 11–13; P1 16–
20; LLp 19–23. Body deep and compressed. Posterior margin of preopercle smooth. Suborbital scaled, withentire ventral margin. Teeth on jaws
uniserial, incisor-like. Caudal fin
forked; no conspicuous projecting
spine-like rays at upper and lower
edges of caudal-fin base. Color:ground color pale, gradually darkened
dorsally on head, with a broad yellow
patch on anterodorsal part of body; 5
blackish bars (slightly narrower thanpaler interspaces) from nape to caudal-fin base; caudal fin transparent or
heavily tinged with black (but no paleleading edges). Size: 17 cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found in shallow coral or
rocky reefs.
(K. Shibukawa)

Abudefduf vaigiensis, KAUM–I. 33133, 10.3 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

174

Pristotis obtusirostris(Günther, 1862)
Gulf Damselfish
D XIII, 12–13; A II, 12–14; P1 17–
18; LLp 19–20. Body depth 2.5–2.8 in
SL. Posterior margin of preopercle
and subopercle serrated. Both jaws
with uniserial teeth. Caudal fin forked
without filamentous lobes; no conspicuous projecting spine-like rays at
upper and lower edges of caudal-finbase. Color: body pale gray to bluishwith blue spots on each scale; a small
black spot at base of upper pectoral
rays. Size: 14.0 cm TL. Distribution:
Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and Persian Gulf to New Guinea, northern
Australia north to Ryukyu Islands, Japan. Remarks: inhabits flat sandy or
rubble bottoms around patch reefs oflagoons and trawling grounds; depth
range 2–80 m. Adults often forming
small groups out in the open on sandy
substrate, swimming well-above bottom; juveniles often entering shallow
estuaries; rare in the area. (Y. Yusuf)

Pristotis obtusirostris, KAUM–I. 33008, 9.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Nov. 2010

175

LABRIDAE
Wrasses

A diverse group of fishes varying
in body shape and size (usually 20cm); body slightly to extremely compressed. Mouth terminal, slightly to
extremely protrusible, usually withprominent lips; maxilla not exposedon cheek; teeth in jaws usually separate and caniniform, the anteriormost
1 or 2 pairs typically enlarged andoften directed forward; pharyngeal
jaws strong with pharyngeal teeth either sharp, conical, or broad and molariform. A single, long-base dorsal
fin in most species, with VIII–XXI
spines (usually less than XV) and
6–21 soft rays; anal fin with II–VI
spines (often III) and 7–18 soft rays.
Scales cycloid and highly variable insize among species; head never fully
scaly; lateral line interrupted or continuous. Color: most species withbright and intricate color patterns, including stripes, bars, spots, blotches,and ocelli. Most species change color

single dorsal fin

canines atfront part of jaws

and sex with growth, from an initial
phase (IP) of females, the latter able
to change sex into an often brilliantly
colored terminal male phase (TP).
Remarks: most common in shallow waters in a variety of habitats
such as coral reefs, rocky reefs, sand,seagrass, and algae, but rarely foundin muddy areas. Wrasses are diurnal
with diverse feeding habits, including

benthic invertebrates, fishes, coralmucus, zooplankton, ectoparasites,
and algae.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Scaridae – mouth not protrusible; teeth in jaws coalesced atbase or fused into a bony, parrot-likebeak, except a few species; lips continuous with facial skin, without an
indentation.
(U. Satapoomin)

Halichoeres bicolor(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Brown-striped Wrasse
D IX, 11–12; A III, 12; P1 14–15;
LLp 27–28. Body elongate; snout
pointed; anterior teeth in upper andlower jaws enlarged to form canines;
snout, cheek, opercle, and behind eye
naked, scales on nape nearly reaching
to a vertical at posterior edge of orbit;
lateral line complete; caudal fin
rounded. Color: ground color of body
pale brown to olive in adults, greenish
in small juveniles; two brownish black(in juveniles) or reddish brown (inadults) longitudinal stripes on side ofbody, the upper along back, the lower
at mid-lateral from the edge of opercle
to caudal fin base. Head with a reddish
brown band, edged with blue, on sideof snout from mouth to front edge ofeye; an upward curved band on cheekbelow eye; a vertically elongate darkbrown spot just behind eye followed
by a single (in juveniles) or a pair (inadults) of horizontally elongate spots

Halichoeres bicolor, KAUM–I. 24005, 10.4 cm SL
Bang Sean, 1 Oct. 2009

(as double thick dashes). Dorsal andanal fins pinkish gray, each with 2 longitudinal series of pale to yellowish
spots on soft rayed portion; in adultmales elongate black spot, leaded anteriorly with bright yellow marking,present between 5th and 8th dorsal fin
spines; in juveniles an ocellated black
spot present between 1st and 3rd dorsal spines. Caudal fin with several ir-

regular vertical rows of pale yellow
spots; an ocellated black spot slightly
above the middle of caudal fin base isdistinct in juveniles. Size: maximum
length about 12 cm. Distribution: Indo-Malayan region to Sri Lanka. Remarks: found in inshore, usually silty
habitat on sand or mud near shallow
reefs and seagrass beds.
(U. Satapoomin)

176

Iniistius evides(Jordan & Richardson, 1909)
Blackspot Razorfish
D IX, 12; A III, 12; P1 12; LLp 19–20+ 4–5; GR 18–19. Body deep, compressed, width about 3 in body depth.
Dorsal profile of head strongly convex
in front of eye; snout nearly vertical,
anterior edge thin. Mouth small, lower
jaw slightly projecting, a pair of large,
slender, recurved, laterally flaring canines at front of each jaw extending
well beyond lips when mouth closed.
Origin of dorsal fin above posterioredge of orbit; dorsal fin deeply incised
between 2nd and 3rd spines; first two
dorsal spines flexible and curved, notlonger than longest dorsal soft rays;
caudal fin rounded. Lateral line interruped; small scales on cheek in about
9 irregular oblique rows, with about 8
scales in upper row, narrowing to 2 inlowermost row behind corner ofmouth. Color: generally gray to paleyellowish, shading to white ventrally;

Iniistius evides, KAUM–I. 23437, 16.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009

white-edged black spot over 8th lateral-line scale and 1 to 4 scales above,
but not reaching dorsal edge of body;yellowish patch on anterior side, fromhind part of gill opening to above pectoral-fin region; fins pale yellowish.

Size: maximum total length about 19
cm. Distribution: East coast of Malay
Peninsula to southern Japan (Ryukyu
Islands). Remarks: found in open
sand areas near reefs in depths as shallow as 5 m.
(U. Satapoomin)

Iniistius trivittatus(Randall & Cornish, 2000)
Triplebar Razorfish
D IX, 12; A III, 12; P1 12; LLp 19–20+ 4–5; GR 14–16. Body deep, very
compressed, width 3.0–3.5 in body
depth. Dorsal profile of head strongly
convex in front of eye; snout nearlyvertical, anterior edge a sharp ridge;
chin also with a sharp anterior ridge.
Mouth small, lower jaw slightly projecting, a pair of long slender slightly
incurved canines at front of each jaw
extending well beyond lips withmouth closed. Origin of dorsal fin
above posterior edge of orbit; dorsal
fin incised between 2nd and 3rd
spines; dorsal spines slender and flexible, 1st and 2nd spines not longer
than longest dorsal soft rays; caudal
fin rounded. Lateral line interruped;head naked, except for 2–3 scales dorsally on opercle and a broad zone ofsmall scales on cheek in about 8 irregular oblique rows. Color: bodyIniistius trivittatus, KAUM–I. 33158, 13.7 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Nov. 2010

pale yellowish gray, whitish ventrally;
3 blackish bars on upper half of body;a median pale blue line on forehead; apink margin on dorsal and anal finsand dorsal edge of caudal fin. Size:maximum total length about 16 cm.

Distribution: presently known fromSouth China Sea, north to Hongkong
and Taiwan, south to east coast of Malay Peninsula. Remarks: found on
sandy bottoms in coastal waters.
(U. Satapoomin)

177

Leptojulis lambdastigma
Randall & Ferraris, 1981
D IX, 12–13; A III, 11–12; P1 13;
LLp 27; GR 16–20. Body slender;head pointed; dorsal profile of headnearly straight, nape slightly convex;
snout relatively long; eye small.
Mouth terminal, slightly oblique; frontof jaws with 2 pairs of large canines; aprominent canine tooth posteriorly on
upper jaw. Lateral line complete; bodycovered with large cycloid scales,
head and bases of fins except for caudal fin naked. Caudal fin rounded; firstpelvic fin ray elongate, especially inlarge male. Color: body and head pale
pink, whitish ventrally; yellow stripe
on body side extending from upper lip
to caudal-fin base, via eye; a large Vshaped black marking on nape. Dorsal
fin pale orange; upper half of softrayed portion of fin pale blue, with abroad pale yellow band submarginally; lower portion of dorsal fin with a

Leptojulis lambdastigma, KAUM–I. 33230, 12.5 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010

row of yellow blotches with a pale
blue margin on membranes anteriorly,
forming a zigzag stripe posteriorly.
Anal fin pale orange, dusky yellow
distally, with a thin light blue margin;a row of yellow spots along base. Pectoral and pelvic fins translucent. Caudal fin white, pale blue distally, black-ish marginally, numerous scatteredyellow spots. Size: maximum length
about 14 cm. Distribution: Western
Central Pacific including Taiwan,
Philippines, and Gulf of Thailand. Remarks: found in coastal waters ofsand bottoms.
(M. Matsunuma)

Xiphocheilus typus
Bleeker, 1856
Bluebanded Wrasse
D XII, 8; A III, 10; P1 15–17; LLp 29.
Body slender; dorsal profile of head
convex, head and snout blunt. Jaws
prominent; upper jaw with 2 widely
separated prominent anterior canines; 1
or 2 pair large curved canines on upper
jaw posteriorly; lower jaw also with 2large anterior canines. Pelvic fin short,reaching anus only in large specimens;caudal fin slightly rounded to double
emarginate in adults. Lateral line complete; bases of dorsal and anal fins naked; 7–10 large predorsal scales, extending in front of dorsal fin to centerof eye; cheek and opercle scaled. Color: head and body olive-green dorsally,orange or pinkish laterally; sides withnumerous narrow oblique blue bands;
head with 4 or 5 narrow blue bands or
stripes outlined with yellow-orange;

Xiphocheilus typus, KAUM–I. 23090, 10.4 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 Sept. 2009

dorsal fin blue with 2 or 3 narrow orange or pink stripes; anal fin yelloworange with numerous narrow blue
bands basally; caudal fin yellow-orange with about 5–8 narrow blue
bands; pectoral fins transparent toorangish with a blue band on base.

Size: maximum length about 12 cm.
Distribution: eastern Indian Ocean
and western Pacific. Remarks: inhabits coral reefs at depths of 35 to 85 m.
Caught mostly with bottom trawls.
(M. Matsunuma)

178

SCARIDAE
Parrotfishes

Medium to large sized (up to
120 cm) fishes. Body oblong, moderately deep. Head generally bluntly
rounded anteriorly. Teeth in jaws
usually fused to form a pair of beaklike plates in each jaw, but a few
species have free, imbricate, incisorlike teeth; small, isolated, projecting teeth (canines) occur in somespecies on outer sides of upper jaw;
pharyngeal dentition strong consisting of interdigitating paired upper
pharyngeals with rows of elongate
molariform teeth; these teeth bearagainst the elongate molariform teethon the surface of the single lower
pharyngeal bone. Dorsal fin with IX
slender, flexible spines and 10 softrays; anal fin with III flexible spinesand 9 soft rays; pectoral fins with 2
unbranched rays and 11–14 branched
rays; pelvic fins with I spine and 5
soft rays; caudal fin with 11 branchedrays, varying from rounded to lunate with produced caudal fin lobes.
Scales large, cycloid, usually 22–24
on lateral line; 1–4 rows of scales oncheek; 2–8 median predorsal scales.
Color: most species very colorful;

single dorsal finlarge scales on bodybeak-like toothplates on jaws

may exhibit striking sexual dichromatism. Most species are protogynous
hermaphrodites (maturing first as
females, then sexually transforming
into males), this sexual transformation
is usually accompanied by change incolor phase. In species where 2 adultcolor phases are known the first is
termed "initial phase" (IP), the second"terminal phase" (TP).
Remarks: parrotfishes are mostoften found on or in vicinity of coral
reefs, and usually most abundant inshallow waters to a depth of 30 m.
Herbivorous, usually scraping algae

from dead coral substrates. Bits ofrock eaten with the algae are crushed
into sand and ground with the algae
to aid in digestion, making parrotfish
some of the most important producers of sand on coral reefs.
Similar families occurring in
the area: the beak-like plates ofmost scarids, in addition to features
such as large smooth scales and often bright colors, usually preclude
parrotfishes being confused with anyother fish family. (M. Matsunuma)

Scarus ghobban
Forsskål, 1775
Yellowscale Parrotfish
D IX, 10; A III, 9; P1 15–16 (usually15); PDS 5–7 (6). Teeth fused to form
dental plates; dental plates relatively
smooth; lips covering more than halfof dental plates; large adults with 1–3
canine teeth on side at rear of upper
dental plate; usually 3 rows of scales
on cheek; caudal fin slightly emarginate in small initial-phase fish to lunate
in large terminal males. Color: initial
phase dull orange yellow, centers ofscales bluish; 5 irregular blue bars often present on body; fins yellowish.
Terminal males green dorsally, scales
rimmed with salmon pink, shading topale green ventrally with pale salmon
pink bar on each scale; head green

Scarus ghobban, KAUM–I. 47426, 20.0 cm SL
off Tha Chana (SP), 18 June 2012

dorsally, shading to pale salmon on
cheek and chin, with 2 transverse blue
bands on chin and 3 narrow irregulargreen bands extending posteriorly
from eye. Size: maximum length

about 75 cm. Distribution: widespread Indo-Pacific and tropical eastern Pacific. Remarks: found on coral
reefs to at least 30 m depth.
(M. Matsunuma)

179

PINGUIPEDIDAE
Sandperches

Small to large-sized fishes. Body
elongate, cylindrical anteriorly (except Prolatilus, having rather deeperbody). Eye moderate. Snout slender.
Teeth small, in band in jaws. Vomer
with V-shaped tooth patch (teeth
absent in Prolatilus). Palatine teeth
present or absent. Gill membranes
united, free from isthmus. Dorsal
fin single, with 4–7 short spines and
19–27 soft rays. Anal fin with 17–25
rays, including 1 or 2 weak spines
anteriorly. Caudal fin usually with
15 branched rays. Pelvic fin with
1 spine and 5 soft rays. Vertebrae
30–37. Several species of Parapercis
have been shown to be protogynous
hermaphrodites (thus females change
to males). Color: variable (e.g., dark,
pale brownish, and reddish), many

single dorsal fin with IV–VII, 19–27

anal fin with 17–25 rays, including I or II spines

species with distinct and characteristic markings; some change in the color
pattern with the sex change is usuallyknown in Parapercis.
Remarks: five genera are known

from the world; only Parapercis is
distributed in the area.
Similar family occurring in thearea: Percophidae – 2 dorsal finspresent.
(H. Imamura)

Parapercis alboguttata(Günther, 1872)
Bluenose Sandperch
D V, 22; A I, 19; P1 17–19; LLp 57–
60. Body cylindrical, caudal peduncle
slender. Three pairs of canine teeth onlower jaw anteriorly. Palatine teeth absent. Third dorsal spine longest. Spinous dorsal connected by membrane
to 1st soft ray near base. Color: body
pale red dorsally, whitish ventrally; 2longitudinal rows of indistinct light
red blotches on body, ending in 2 distinct dark red spots on caudal-fin base;snout light blue with oblique yellow
lines. Size: maximum length about 27
cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific,
including the Arabian Gulf, South
China Sea, Indonesia, Philippines andnorthwestern Australia. Remarks:
usually taken by trawling at depths
from 50 to 120 m.
(H. Imamura)

Parapercis alboguttata, KAUM–I. 23793, 20.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

180

Parapercis filamentosa(Steindachner, 1878)
Threadfin Sandperch
D V, 22; A I, 18; P1 16; LLp 58–59.
Body cylindrical. Three pairs of canine teeth on lower jaw anteriorly.
Palatine teeth absent. Middle dorsal
spines longest. Membrane from spinous dorsal connected by membrane
to 1st soft ray near base. First few dorsal soft rays greatly elongated. Color:body light brown dorsally with 6 faintV-shaped brown markings, whitish
ventrally; pelvic fin dusky; upper caudal fin base with a dark spot. Size:maximum total length about 18 cm.
Distribution: West Pacific, including
Singapore, Thailand, Hainan, Java andBorneo, Malaysia.
(H. Imamura)

Parapercis filamentosa, KAUM–I. 33177, 9.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Nov. 2010

Parapercis xanthozona(Bleeker, 1849)
Yellowbar Sandperch
D V, 21; A I, 17; P1 17; LLp 56–60.
Body cylindrical, caudal peduncle
slender. Three pairs of canine teeth onlower jaw anteriorly. Palatine teeth
usually absent. Third and/or fourth
dorsal spine longest. Spinous dorsal
connected by membrane to 1st soft ray
nearly at level of last spine tip. Color:body pale brown; 1 longitudinal row
of paler band and 9 brownish verticalbars on body; cheek with oblique
white lines in males; caudal fin with awhite marking. Size: attains about 23
cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific,
including Japan, South China Sea,
Philippines and northeastern Australia.
(H. Imamura)
Parapercis xanthozona, KAUM–I. 23431, 12.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009

181

URANOSCOPIDAE
Stargazers

Medium sized (up to 65 cm)
marine fishes. Body moderately
elongate, depressed anteriorly orcompressed. Head massive, nearlycube-shaped, flattened dorsally,rounded anteriorly; dorsal and lateral surfaces of head almost entirely
encased in sculptured bones. Eyes
directed dorsally or dorsolaterally,
placed on or near top of head. Infraorbital bones dilated. Interorbital
space noticeably broad, anterodorsal
part of skull deeply scooped backward (interorbital fossa). Mouth
large, protractile, almost vertical; jaws, prevomer, and palatines
toothed; a pair of pockets on anteriorroof of mouth (between premaxillae
and prevomer). A peculiar dermal
appendage present at central tip of
respiratory valve inside lower jaw
in Uranoscopus and young of Genyagnus. Branchiostegals 6. First gillarch with gill teeth instead of typicalgill rakers; pseudobranchiae present.
Membranes of anal, pelvic, and pectoral fins fleshy and thickened. Dorsal fin single with 0–IV rudimentaryspines and 12–20 soft rays or divided
with IV or V weak spines and 13 orlateral line reaches torear end of caudal finmouth almost
verticalpelvic fins thoracic

14 soft rays; anal fin with 13–19 softrays; caudal fin subtruncate, with 10 or
11 branched rays; pectoral fin broad,“squarish”, or knife-shaped, with
13–25 rays; pelvic fin close together,situated on throat and in advance of
pectoral fins, with I non-visible weakspine and 5 segmented rays. Body naked or covered with adherent, cycloid
scales almost embedded under theskin; lateral line complete, reaching
onto caudal fin margin. Color: generally brownish dark with dark or palespots or mottling on body.
Remarks: stargazers are noctur-

nal and during the day bury theirbody into sand or mud, with only theeyes and mouth cleft protruding fromthe substrate. Caught mostly withbottom trawls.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Batrachoididae – gill openings small, restricted to sides of body(gill openings wide in Uranoscopidae); pelvic fins with I distinct spine
and 5 soft rays (with I non-visible
weak spine and 5 soft rays in Uranoscopidae). Champsodontidae – bodysmaller, more compressed; caudal fin
forked.
(M. Matsunuma)

Uranoscopus cognatus
Cantor, 1849
Twospined Yellowtail Stargazer
D III + 14–15; A 13–14; P1 16–17.
Body moderately elongate; head massive; short cirri on eye; respiratory
valve inside lower jaw with a threadlike appendage. Preopercle with 4
spines on lower edge; supracleithrum
not forming distinct spine at rear end;
2 basipterygial processes. Color: headand body brown dorsally, finely mottled and stippled dark brown; dusky
white laterally, white ventrally. First
dorsal fin black; second dorsal fintranslucent, rays tinged with blowfish;
pectoral fin translucent; posterior halfof fin yellow with white margin; pel-

Uranoscopus cognatus, KAUM–I. 32820, 11.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

vic fin white; caudal fin pale yellow,
dusky distally. Size: maximum length
about 22 cm. Distribution: eastern Indian Ocean and West Pacific from In-

dia east to northern Australia, south to
the Philippines. Remarks: caught
mostly with bottom trawls in depths of
50–250 m.
(M. Matsunuma)

182

BLENNIIDAE

Blennies (Combtooth Blennies, Sabertooth Blennies)
Small, scaleless, often elongate
fishes (most species much less than
15 cm). Head usually blunt, oftenwith cirri on eyes, nasal openings,
nape, and/or cheeks; gill openings
continuous across lower surfaceof head or restricted to small opening on each side of head. Upper jaw
not protractile; teeth incisor-like insingle row in each jaw, often veryfine and loosely attached; canine
teeth occasionally present; no teeth
in palatines; vomerine teeth present or absent. Dorsal fin continuous
or notched, usually with more segmented rays than spines (III–XVII
flexible spines and 9–119 segmented
soft rays); anal fin with II spines,
often indistinguishable; segmented
caudal fin rays 10–14; pelvic fins inadvance of pectoral fins, pelvic fin
spine not visible externally, soft rays
fewer than 5, sometimes deformed
or absent. Color: very variable, dull
to brilliant, full spectrum; often mottled, with irregular vertical bands or
stripes, some species almost uniform.

single dorsal fin

body with no scales

pelvic fins anterior
to pectoral fins

2 reduced spines in anal fin

Remarks: mostly bottom dwelling species in sea and estuaries, usually at depths much less than 20 m,
mostly among rocky, oyster, or coral
reefs, often in tide pools. Feeding on amixed diet of algae and benthic invertebrates; some are planktivores, andsome are specialized to feed on skinor fins of larger fishes, with mimic as
cleaner. Similar families occurringin the area: Clinidae – body with fine,embedded cycloid scales; scales withradii in all fields; many more dorsal
fin spines than segmented rays; jaw

teeth in more than 1 row. Tripterygidae – body with ctenoid scales; dorsal fin clearly divided into 3 parts;
many more dorsal fin spines thanrays; jaw teeth in more than 1 row.
Gobiidae and Eleotridae – body usually scaly; pelvic fins usually with I
spine and 5 soft rays; dorsal fin in 2
well-separated sections, the spinous
portion with less than VIII spines, thesegmented ray portion with I spine at
beginning.
(K. Shibukawa & H. Imamura)

Omobranchus ferox(Herre, 1927)
D XI–XIII, 20–23; A II, 20–26; P1
13; P2 I, 2. Body elongate and compressed. No cirri on head. Fleshy creston top head absent in both sexes. Gill
opening narrow, restricted on side ofhead. Dorsal fin continuous, without
distinct notch between spinous andsegmented-ray portions. Caudal fin
usually with 13 segmented rays, all ofthem unbranched. Color: head andbody olive green, typically with several vague dusky bars on body; a short,narrow vertical black band just behindeye (preceded by white vertical line
when alive or fresh); a dusky spot frequently found around end of dorsal fin
in male. Size: 6 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found in
mangrove swamps and estuaries.
(K. Shibukawa)

Omobranchus ferox, KAUM–I. 24002, 5.0 cm SL
Bang Sean, 1 Oct. 2009

183

Omobranchus punctatus(Valenciennes, 1836)
Muzzled Blenny
D XI–XIII, 19–24; A II, 22–26; P1
13; P2 I, 2. Body elongate and compressed. No cirri on head. Fleshy creston top head absent in both sexes. Gill
opening narrow, restricted on side ofhead. Dorsal fin continuous, without
distinct notch between spinous andsegmented-ray portions. Caudal fin
usually with 13 segmented rays, all ofthem unbranched. Color: ground color of head and body brownish olive;
head with broad dusky vertical bands;
body with several irregular, horizontal
dusky lines anteriorly. Size: 9 cm.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific; also introduced to Western Atlantic. Remarks:
found in mangrove swamps, brackish
estuaries and adjacent waters.
(K. Shibukawa)

Omobranchus punctatus, KAUM–I. 24004, 6.4 cm SL
Bang Sean, 1 Oct. 2009

Plagiotremus spilistius
Gill, 1865
Slender Fangblenny

Plagiotremus spilistius, KAUM–I. 23807, 9.6 cm SL

Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009
D X, 58–60; A II, 55–57; P1 12. Body
greatly elongate, eel-like. Snout
rounded; mouth inferior; gill opening
restricted, extending ventrally to alevel of base of upper pectoral-fin
Plagiotremus spilistius, KAUM–I. 23808, 12.6 cm SL
rays. Dorsal fins continuous, with noGulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009
distinct notch between spinous andsegmented-ray portions. Pelvic finsabsent in adult. Caudal fin with 11
segmented rays (all unbranched); outer lobes of caudal fin elongate and filamentous. Color: body yellowish
brown, with two longitudinal series ofsmall dark spots; a small black spot at
upper part of pectoral-fin base; dorsal
Xiphasia setifer, KAUM–I. 23459, 40.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009
and anal fins dusky, with numerous
small black spots. Size: 16.4 cm SL.
Distribution: South China Sea andGulf of Thailand. Remarks: caught
with trawls from sandy or sandy-mud gate, ribbon-like. No cirri, tentacles or dorsal fin; a black spot or ocellus usubottom.
(K. Shibukawa) crest on head. A large canine tooth on ally present distally in dorsal fin beeach side of lower jaw anteriorly. Gill tween 5th and 7th dorsal spines; maropening restricted to side of head. Ori- gin of dorsal fin broadly blackish.
gin of dorsal fin over anterior part of Size: attaining to ca. 55 cm. DistribuXiphasia setifer
eye. Caudal fin rounded, continuous tion: Indo-West Pacific, including the
Swainson, 1839
with dorsal and anal fins, the middle 2 Red Sea, Andaman Sea, southern JaHairtail Snakeblennyrays elongated as filament in males; pan, Great Barrier Reef and New
D XIII–XIV, 105–119; A II, 107– no caudal-fin rays branched. Color: Caledonia. Remarks: inhabits muddy
119; P1 12–14; P2 I, 3; V 15–16 + 105– body light brown with 24–28 broad bottoms in bays and shallow waters.
119 = 121–135. Body extremely elon- brown bars on body, extending into
(H. Imamura)

184

CALLIONYMIDAE
Dragonets

Small to moderate-sized (up to
45 cm), depressed benthic fishes.
Body elongate, depressed or subcylindrical. Head usually wide andwell depressed, triangular when seenfrom above in many species; gill
opening restricted to a small dorsal
or sublateral pore; preopercle witha strong spine; no spines on opercle
and subopercle; jaw with villiform
teeth; no teeth on roof of mouth; upper jaw greatly protractile. Two dorsal fins, comprising spinous (with
III–V spines; rarely absent) and soft
(with 7–10 soft rays) portions; anal
fin with 6–10 soft rays; pelvic finsthoracic, with I spine and 5 soft rays.
No scales on head and body. Color:
highly variable, but dull sandy-colored in many species, e.g., head andbody grayish or brownish dorsally,
whitish ventrally, mottled and/or

2 dorsal finspreopercle witha strong spine

body moderately depressed without scales

spotted with paler colored spots; somehave entirely reddish body (especiallyin deep-water species) or several vivid
color with complex patterns on head,
body and fins.
Remarks: found in seagrass beds,
bays, coral reefs, estuaries, and shelfwaters, and commonly found on sandyor muddy bottoms. Locally utilized asfood fish.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Eleotridae – usually no preopercular spine; gill opening wide;
scales on body. Gobiidae – usuallyno preopercular spine; pelvic fins
fused medially one another in many
species; gill opening wide. Platycephalidae – mouth large, lower jaw
projecting beyond upper jaw; shortspines, serrae and/or bony tubercles
on the head; gill opening wide; scales
on body.
(K. Shibukawa)

Calliurichthys japonicus(Houttuyn, 1782)
Japanese Longtail Dragonet
D IV + 9; A 8; P1 18–21. Head andbody compressed. A pair of small
bony bumps on dorsal surface of headbehind eye. Preopercular spine slenderand straight, with several serrae along
its dorsal margin. Transverse canalbranch connecting opposite lateral line
canals present on caudal peduncle.
Anterior two spine of first dorsal fin
elongate and filamentous in large
male. All but posteriormost one segmented rays of second dorsal fin unbranched. Caudal fin very long. Color: head and body light grayish brown
dorsally, pale ventrally; a distinct
black spot between third and fourth

Calliurichthys japonicus, KAUM–I. 33151, 12.8 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

spine of first dorsal fin; a broad submarginal black stripe on anal fin. Size:attaining to ca. 55 cm. Distribution:
West Pacific. Remarks: inhabits sandy-mud bottoms at the depths of 10–
200 m. Generic assignment follows
Nakabo (1982).
(K. Shibukawa)

185

Dactylopus dactylopus(Valenciennes, 1837)
Fingered Dragonet
D IV + 8; A 7; P1 19. Body subcylindrical or slightly compressed posteriorly. No transverse canal branch connecting opposite lateral line canals on
caudal peduncle. Dorsal fin spines
elongate and filamentous in male. All
rays of second dorsal fin branched.
Spine and first ray of pelvic fin connected together, free from other rays.
Color: head and body grayish brown
brownish dorsally, pale ventrally; numerous pale and dusky spots on body.
Size: 25 cm SL. Distribution: eastern
Indian Ocean and West Pacific. Remarks: inhabits sandy-mud bottoms
in shallow coastal waters, particularly
seagrass beds.
(K. Shibukawa)

Dactylopus dactylopus, KAUM–I. 32981, 9.5 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 1 Nov. 2010

Repomucenus belcheri recurvispinnis(Li, 1966)
Concave Dragonet
D IV + 9; A 9; P1 17–21. Head andbody compressed. Preopercular spine
straight, with several serrae along its
dorsal margin. Transverse canalbranch connecting opposite lateralline canals present on caudal peduncle. No filamentous spine of first dorsal fin in both sexes. All but posteriormost one segmented rays of second
dorsal fin unbranched. Caudal fin
moderate in size. Color: head andbody light grayish brown dorsally,
pale ventrally; lower side of body witha series of short, wavy vertical duskylines in large male; anal fin with submarginal black stripe in male, a seriesof black blotches in female. Size: 22
cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: the generic assignment tentatively follows Nakabo(1982; for R. belcheri). Fricke (1983,
2002) treated this as subspecies of Callionymus belcheri Richardson, 1844.
(K. Shibukawa)

Dactylopus dactylopus, KAUM–I. 33232, 12.5 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010

Repomucenus belcheri recurvispinnis, KAUM–I. 23839, 9.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

186

Repomucenus filamentosus(Valenciennes, 1837)
Blotchfin Dragonet
D IV + 9; A 9; P1 15–20. Body depressed; transverse canal branch connecting opposite lateral line canals on
dorsal part of caudal peduncle. Headdepressed; distal tip of preopercularspine not inwardly curved. All rays ofsecond dorsal and anal fins unbranched, except for last rays divided
to the base; first dorsal-fin spine long,
filamentous and free from the rest of
the fin in male, while not filamentous
in female. Color: head and bodybrown dorsally, whitish ventrally; aseries of black spots on midlateralbody; anal fin whitish, may be blackened distally; caudal fin with large
black spots. Size: 15 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific; immigrated
from Red Sea to eastern Mediterranean through Suez Canal (Fricke,
2001). Remarks: found on sandy bottoms. Generic assignment follows
Nakabo (1982).
(K. Shibukawa)

Repomucenus filamentosus, KAUM–I. 24067, 12.1 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 5 Oct. 2009

Repomucenus meridionalis, KAUM–I. 33164, 11.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Nov. 2010

Repomucenus meridionalis(Suwardji, 1965)
Highfin Dragonet
D IV + 8–9; A 9; P1 19–22. Body
depressed; transverse canal branchconnecting opposite lateral line canals
on dorsal part of caudal peduncle.
Head depressed; distal tip of preopercular spine inwardly curved; in addition to the distal tip, only a single dorsal point on preopercular spine. All
rays of second dorsal and anal finsunbranched, except for last rays divided to the base; first dorsal-fin spine
greatly elongate, with a filamentous
tip. Color: head and body brown dorsally, whitish ventrally; a series of indistinct black spots on midlateralbody; first dorsal fin whitish, withmany irregular diagonal dusky lines;
anal fin blackish, with a narrow whitish distal margin; caudal fin with small
black spots. Size: 15 cm. Distribution: Western Pacific. Remarks:
found on sandy or muddy bottoms.
(K. Shibukawa)

Repomucenus planus, KAUM–I. 33167, 8.7 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Nov. 2010

Repomucenus planus(Ochiai, 1955)
Japanese Darter Dragonet
D IV + 9; A 9; P1 18–22. Head andbody compressed. Preopercular spinewith 3–6 serrae along its dorsal margin and curved posteriormost tip.
Transverse canal branch connecting
opposite lateral line canals present on
caudal peduncle. First dorsal fin small,without filamentous spine in both sexes. All but posteriormost one segment-

ed rays of second dorsal fin unbranched. Color: head and body lightyellowish brown dorsally, pale ventrally, with numerous, dense darkbrown dots; first dorsal fin largely
blackish in female; many white spots
on second dorsal fin in male. Size: 10
cm SL. Distribution: West Pacific.
Remarks: inhabits sandy bottoms inshallow coastal waters. The genericassignment follows Nakabo (1982).
(K. Shibukawa)

187

ELEOTRIDAE
Sleepers

Small to moderate sized fishes(up to ca. 85 cm, commonly to 20cm), bottom-oriented fishes. Body
moderately elongate, more or lesscompressed posteriorly; no poredor tubed lateral-line scales on body.
Teeth usually conical, forming someor more rows in each jaw; sensorypapillae rows well developed on head
(and few on body and caudal fin);branchiostegals 6. Two dorsal fins,
first one with VI–X flexible spines,
second one with I spine and 6–12 softrays; pelvic fins separated, innermostor preceding rays longest; pelvic fin
usually with I spine and 5 soft rays.
Color: highly variable, typically
blackish or grayish brown with dusky
mottles, whereas some species has
brilliant color with e.g., bright yellow
and/or red spots.
Remarks: typically found in
fresh and brackish waters, whereas

2 dorsal fins with VI–X + I, 6–12
well developed
sensory papillae
on headno pored or tubed
lateral line scales

pelvic fins separated

some found in coral reefs. Carnivorous. Large species often esteemed asfood fish; some freshwater colorful
species often treated as aquarium fish.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Blenniidae – single dorsal fin ;teeth incisor-like, forming single row
in each jaw. Callionymidae – preopercle with a strong spine; no scales onbody; gill opening restricted to a small
dorsal or dorsolateral pore. Gobiidae –pelvic fins fused medially one another

anal fin with I, 6–12

in many species; five branchiostegal
rays. Platycephalidae – many shortspines or bony tubercles on head; nospines on second dorsal and anal fins.
Ptereleotridae – bottom-oriented, freeswimming fishes, with elongate (butnot eel-like) and compressed headand body; five branchiostegal rays.
Tripterygiidae – three dorsal fins.
(K. Shibukawa)

Butis butis(Hamilton, 1822)
Duckbill Sleeper
D VI + I, 8; A I, 8; P1 18–19; LR
29–31; PDS 25–33. Body elongate,subcylindrical and compressed posteriorly. Head depressed. Snout elongate
and depressed, duck-bill shaped. Lower jaw prominent. Bony edge with serrae on interorbital area around dorsal
margin of eye. Pelvic fins widely separated. Cheek, operculum and interorbital with ctenoid scales; scales present between eye and interorbital bonyridge; small auxiliary scale between
large body scales. Color: head andbody blackish brown, with numerous
black, orange and pale dots; base ofpectoral fin with a distinct large black
spot edged with two vivid red spots
dorsoventrally. Size: 14.5 cm TL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found in brackish estuaries
and mangrove swamps.
(K. Shibukawa)

Butis butis, KAUM–I. 33190, 8.6 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 26 Nov. 2010

188

Butis humeralis(Valenciennes, 1837)
Flathead Gudgeon
D VI + I, 8; A I, 8; P1 18–20; LR
29–31; PDS 25. Body elongate, subcylindrical and compressed posteriorly. Head depressed; snout elongate anddepressed, duck-bill shaped; bony interorbital serration around dorsal margin of eye; lower jaw protruding beyond upper jaw; teeth on outer row notenlarged. Pelvic fins widely separated.
Cheek, operculum and interorbitalwith ctenoid scales; scales present between eye and interorbital bony ridge;
small auxiliary scale between large
body scales. Color: blackish brown,with indistinct mottles; base of pectoral fin with a distinct large black spot,edged with two vivid red spots dorsoventrally. Size: 10.7 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks:
found in brackish estuaries and adjacent coastal waters. (K. Shibukawa)

Butis humeralis, KAUM–I. 33213, 12.2 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 26 Nov. 2010

Butis koilomatodon, KAUM–I. 24012, 6.1 cm SL
Bang Saen, 1 Oct. 2009

Butis koilomatodon(Bleeker, 1849)
Mud Sleeper
D VI + I, 8; A I, 8; P1 21–22; LR
25–28; PDS 11–15. Body relatively
short, subcylindrical and compressed
posteriorly. Head slightly depressed.
Lower jaw prominent. Bony edge withserrae on interorbital area around dorsal margin of eye. Pelvic fins widely
separated. Cheek and operculum with
ctenoid scales; no scales on interorbital area. Color: body blackish brown,with indistinct 4–5 broad dusky
oblique bands; typically pectoral-finbase with a distinct black spot. Size:
7.5 cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West
Pacific. Remarks: found in mangroveswamps, brackish estuaries and adjacent coastal waters with muddy bottoms.
(K. Shibukawa)

Prionobutis microps, KAUM–I. 33192, 14.5 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 26 Nov. 2010

Prionobutis microps(Weber, 1907)
Small-eyed Loter
D VI + I, 8; A I, 8; P1 18–19; LR
21–22; PDS 35. Body elongate, subcylindrical and compressed posteriorly. Head depressed; snout relatively
short, not duck-bill shaped; bony interorbital serration around dorsal margin of eye; lower jaw protruding be-yond upper jaw; a row of barbel-like
papillae on ventral surface of eachside of lower jaw. Pelvic fins widely
separated. Head totally scaled. Color:head and body blackish brown; finsdusky, usually with rows of blackishblotches. Size: 23 cm. Distribution:
Papua New Guinea, northern Australia
and Gulf of Thailand. Remarks:
found in brackish estuaries.
(K. Shibukawa)

189

GOBIIDAE
GobiesSmall to moderate-sized (upto ca. 60 cm, commonly to 10 cm),
bottomorianted fishes. Body shapehighly variable, but, typically, moderately elongate and more or lesscompressed posteriorly; no poredor tubed lateral-line scales on body.
Teeth typically conical (flattened andincisor-like in some genera), forming a single to several rows in each
jaw; minute sensory papillae welldeveloped on head (and few on bodyand caudal fin), forming transverse
or longitudinal rows; five branchiostegal rays. Usually two dorsal fins,
first one with 0–X flexible spines,
second one usually with I spine and
5–66 soft rays; anal fin usually with
I flexible spine and 5–65 soft rays;
pectoral fin with 12–65 soft rays;dorsal- and anal-fin spines usually
narrow and flexible; pelvic fins fused
medially by frenum (between spines)
and connecting membrane (between
innermost rays), exclusive of several coral reef genera with separated
ones; pelvic fin usually with I spineand 4–5 soft rays. Scales cycloid or
ctenoid (with peripheral cteni only),usually 2 dorsal fins with 0–X + I, 5–66
well developed
sensory papillae
on headno pored or tubed
lateral line scales

pelvic fins fused
medially in many species

anal fin with I, 5–65

minute to moderately large in size.
Color: highly variable.
Remarks: found in various habitats from torrential freshwater rivers to
shelf waters (to depth of ca. 500 m),
but most common in brackish waters
and shallow coastal waters. Large species may be esteemed as food fish;
several freshwater species may betreated as aquarium fish.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Blenniidae – single dorsal
fin (may be deep notch developed
between spinous and soft portions);
teeth incisor-like, forming single row
in each jaw; pelvic fins separated.

Callionymidae – preopercle with astrong spine; no scales on body; gill
opening restricted to a small dorsal or dorsolateral pore; pelvic finsseparated. Eleotridae – pelvic finsseparated; six branchiostegal rays.
Platycephalidae – many short spines
or bony tubercles on head; pelvic finsseparated. Ptereleotridae – bottomoriented, freeswimming fishes, withelongate (but not eel-like) and compressed body and separated pelvicfins; mouth almost vertical in many
species. Tripterygiidae – three dorsal
fins; pelvic fins separated.
(K. Shibukawa)Acentrogobius caninus(Valenciennes, 1837)
Tropical Sand Goby
D VI + I, 9; A I, 9; P1 18; LR 26–27;
PDS 16. Body moderately elongate
and compressed. Head slightly compressed. Jaws subequal. Gill opening
not extending anteriorly to a verticalthrough posterior margin of preopercle. Single or some enlarged caninoid
teeth on each side of lower jaw.
Tongue truncate. Pelvic fins united
medially; frenum present. Scales ctenoid, excluding those on nape, pectoral base and breast cycloid; no scales
on cheek; operculum may be scaled.
Sensory canals and pores present onhead; longitudinal pattern of sensory-

Acentrogobius caninus, KAUM–I. 32776, 8.0 cm SL
Ang Sila, 23 Oct. 2010

papillae rows on cheek, some rows
multiple. Color: large ovoid black
spot just above dorsalmost of gill
opening; four midlateral dusky spots
on body. Size: 13 cm TL. Distribu-

tion: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks:
found in brackish estuaries and adjacent coastal waters with sandy-mud
bottom.
(K. Shibukawa)190

Acentrogobius viridipunctatus(Valenciennes, 1837)
Spotted Green Goby
D VI + I, 10; A I, 9–10; P1 19–20; LR
33–35; PDS 27–33. Body moderately
elongate and compressed. Head slightly compressed. Jaws subequal. Gill
opening extending anteriorly to a vertical through posterior margin of preopercle. Single or some enlarged
caninoid teeth on each side of lower
jaw. Tongue truncate. Pelvic fins united medially; frenum present. Scales
ctenoid, excluding those on head,nape, pectoral base and breast cycloid;
upper part of cheek and operculum
scaled. Sensory canals and pores present on head; distinct transverse sensory-papillae rows on cheek. Color:head and body grayish brown, withnumerous bright light green or blue
spots (faded immediately after death);
L-shaped dusky marking below eye.
Size: 12 cm SL. Distribution: IndoWest Pacific. Remarks: found inbrackish estuaries and adjacent coastal
waters with sandy-mud bottoms.
(K. Shibukawa)Acentrogobius viridipunctatus, KAUM–I. 33103, 7.1 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 13 Nov. 2010

Arcygobius baliurus, KAUM–I. 33119, 6.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 18 Nov. 2010

Arcygobius baliurus(Valenciennes, 1837)
Isthmus Goby
D VI + I, 9–10; A I, 8–9; P1 15–19;
LR 22–27; PDS 8–11. Body moderately elongate and compressed. Headsubcylindrical or somewhat compressed; lower jaw slightly projecting
beyond upper jaw; gill opening broad,extending anteriorly to below eye.
Pelvic fins fused medially; frenum
present. Scales on body ctenoid; predorsal area, cheek and dorsal part of
operculum with large cycloid scales.
Sensory canals and pores present onhead; numerous transverse rows of
sensory papillae on cheek. Color:head and body beige or grayish brown
dorsally, paler ventrally, with indistinct dusky mottles; a conspicuous
black spot, as large as pupil, at caudalfin base. Size: 10.2 cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks:
found in brackish estuaries and adjacent bays with muddy bottoms. Isthmogobius, previously used as the generic name for this species, is notavailable (Larson & Wright, 2003).
(K. Shibukawa)

Aulopareia unicolor, KAUM–I. 32920, 5.6 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 30 Oct. 2010

Aulopareia unicolor(Valenciennes, 1837)
Greenspot Goby
D VI + I, 10; A I, 9; P1 18–19; LR
30–32; PDS 23–25. Body moderately
elongate and compressed. Head subcylindrical; lower jaw projecting beyond upper jaw. No elongate and filamentous dorsal-fin spines; pelvic finsunited medially; frenum present.
Scales ctenoid, excluding those onnape, pectoral base and breast cycloid;
head naked, except for occipital area
and upper part of operculum with cycloid scales. Sensory canals and porespresent on head; longitudinal patternof sensory-papillae rows on cheek.
Color: body dark grayish brown withmany bright pale-green spots; a small
black spot at upper part of caudal-finbase. Size: 11 cm. Distribution:
Western Pacific. Remarks: found inbrackish estuaries.
(K. Shibukawa)

191

Boleophthalmus boddarti(Pallas, 1770)
Boddart’s Goggle-eyed Goby
D V + 24–26; A 24–26; P1 17–21; LR
61–79; PDS 25–35. Body elongate,
compressed. Head subcylindrical;
snout rounded; gape near horizontal;
jaws extending well beyond a verticalthrough posterior margin of eye; gill
opening not extending anteriorly to avertical line through posterior marginof preopercle; tongue adnated to floorof buccal cavity; uniserial row of teethon each jaws, in addition to a single
enlarged canine-like teeth internal toanterior margin of lower jaw. Pelvic
fins united medially; frenum present.
Cycloid scales on head and body;snout and chin naked. Sensory canals
and pores present on head; reduced
longitudinal pattern of sensory papillae rows on cheek. Color: head andbody beige or brownish gray, slightly
paler ventrally; a series of 6–7 obliquedusky bars on dorsal half of body; numerous bright sky blue dots scatteredon head, body and dorsal fins. Size:
13.5 cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West
Pacific. Remarks: found on exposed
mudflats in protected bays and estuaries.
(K. Shibukawa)

Boleophthalmus boddarti, KAUM–I. 33186, 9.9 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 26 Nov. 2010

Drombus triangularis, KAUM–I. 24014, 4.4 cm SL
Bang Sean, 1 Oct. 2009

Drombus triangularis(Weber, 1909)
Brown Drombus
D VI + I, 9–10; A I, 8; P1 16–17; LR
30–31; PDS 12–19. Body moderately
elongate and compressed. Head slightly depressed. Lower jaw projecting
beyond upper jaw. Gill opening notreaching anteriorly to a vertical throughpreopercular margin. Pelvic fins united
medially; frenum present. Scales ctenoid, excluding nape, breast, pectoralfin base and predorsal area with cycloid scales; head naked. Sensory
canals and pores present on head; distinct transverse pattern of sensory-papillae rows on cheek. Color: head andbody dusky with irregular mottles;
yellow triangular spot at uppermost ofpectoral base. Size: 5 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks:
found in mangrove swamps and brackish estuaries with rubbles.
(K. Shibukawa)

Glossogobius aureus, KAUM–I. 47485, 16.7 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 23 June 2012

Glossogobius aureus
Akihito & Meguro, 1975
Golden Flat-head Goby
D VI + I, 9; A I, 8–9; P1 18–21; LR
31–34; PDS 22–27. Body elongate
and compressed. Head slightly depressed. Lower jaw prominent. Gill
opening reaching anteriorly to, or alittle beyond, a vertical through posterior margin of preopercle. Anterior
margin of tongue notched. Pelvic finsunited medially; frenum present.
Scales ctenoid, excluding predorsal
area, breast, belly and pectoral-finbase and operculum with cycloid
scales. Sensory canals and pores present on head; longitudinal pattern of
sensory papillae on cheek. Color:head and body light yellowish brown,darkened dorsally; body with midlateral series of five dusky blotches, aswell as many faint irregular duskylines and spots dorsally. Size: 20 cm
SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.
Remarks: found in lower reaches oflarge rivers, mangroves, brackish estuaries and adjacent shallow coastal waters with sandy-mud bottoms.
(K. Shibukawa)

192

Myersina crocatus(Wongratana, 1975)
Yellow-markings Shrimpgoby
D VI + I, 10; A I, 9; P1 16–18; LR
65–78; PDS 0. Body moderately elongate and compressed. Head compressed; lower jaw projecting beyond
upper jaw; gill opening extending anteriorly beyond a vertical through preopercular margin. Spines of first dorsal fin variably elongate, third andfourth spine longest; pelvic fins united
medially; frenum present. No scales
on head; body scales cycloid. Sensory
canals and pores present on head;transverse pattern of sensory-papillae
rows on cheek. Color: head and body
pale gray or beige, darkened dorsally,sometimes with a horizontal dusky
stripes from eye to caudal peduncle;
many yellow spots scattered on headand pectoral-fin base; male with horizontal orange lines on body, whereas
female has many narrow oblique orvertical whitish bars on body. Size:
8.5 cm SL. Distribution: Andaman
Sea and West Pacific. Remarks:
found on muddy bottoms; symbiotically associated with alpheid shrimps.
(K. Shibukawa)

Myersina crocatus, KAUM–I. 23825, 7.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

Myersina filifer, KAUM–I. 23194, 10.4 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 8 Sept. 2009

Myersina filifer(Valenciennes, 1837)
Filamentous Shrimpgoby
D VI + I, 10; A I, 9; P1 17–19; LR
79–101; PDS 0. Body moderately
elongate and compressed. Head compressed; lower jaw projecting beyond
upper jaw; gill opening extending anteriorly beyond a vertical through preopercular margin. Spines of first dorsal fin elongate, middle spines longest;
pelvic fins united medially; frenum
present. No scales on head; bodyscales cycloid. Sensory canals andpores present on head; transverse pattern of sensory-papillae rows on
cheek. Color: head and body pale
gray or beige, darkened dorsally;
many small pale-blue spots on cheekand operculum; 6 dusky saddle-likeblotches on body; a conspicuous black
spot at anterior part of first dorsal fin.
Size: 10 cm SL. Distribution: IndoWest Pacific. Remarks: found in protected bays with sandy-mud bottoms;
symbiotically associated with alpheid
shrimps. Generic assignment follows
Winterbottom (2002). (K. Shibukawa)

Oxuderceus dentatus, KAUM–I. 23369, 7.5 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 22 Sept. 2009

Oxuderces dentatus
Eydoux & Souleyet, 1850
Brown Drombus
D VI + 24–27; A 24–27; P1 20–24;
LR 59–66; PDS 0–22. Body elongate
and compressed. Head depressed.
Eyes small, dorsal on head. Jaws nearly horizontal, large, extending wellbeyond a vertical through posterior
margin of eye. A single slender fanglike tooth around anterior tip of eachside of upper jaw. Dorsal fins continuous; dorsal and anal fins not connected

to caudal fin. Caudal fin rounded ornearly lanceolate, slightgly shorter
than head. Pelvic fins fused medially,
frenum present. Scales on head andbody cycloid. Color: head and body
beige, grayish brown, tinged with blue
posteriorly; fins transparent or grayish, often tinged with yellow; a small
black spot at distal part of posteriormost of dorsal fin. Size: 9.3 cm SL.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found in intertidal mudflats.
(K. Shibukawa)

193

Parachaeturichthys polynema(Bleeker, 1853)
Taileyed Goby
D VI + I, 9–10; A I, 9; P1 20–21; LR
28–30; PDS 12–13. Body moderately
elongate and compressed. Head subcylindrical; jaws subequal; numerous
short barbels on ventral surface ofhead. No elongate and filamentous
dorsal-fin spines; pelvic fins united
medially; frenum present. Scales ctenoid, excluding those on head, nape,pectoral base and breast cycloid;cheek and operculum totally scaled.
Sensory canals and pores present onhead; longitudinal pattern of sensorypapillae rows on cheek. Color: body
beige, darkened dorsally; a conspicuous large ocellus (as large as eye) at
upper part of caudal fin. Size: 12 cm
SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.
Remarks: found in bays with sandymud bottoms.
(K. Shibukawa)

Parachaeturichthys polynema, KAUM–I. 33120, 6.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 18 Nov. 2010

Pseudapocryptes elongatus(Cuvier, 1816)
Elongate Mudskipper
D V + 29–33; A 28–31; P1 17–21; LR
150–275; PDS 56–113. Body elongate
and compressed. Head subcylindrical.
Eyes small, dorsal on head. Jaws nearly horizontal, small, not reaching to avertical through posterior margin ofeye. Dorsal fins continuous; dorsal
and anal fins not connected to caudal
fin. Caudal fin lanceolate, subequal to,or slightly longer than, head. Pelvic
fins fused medially, frenum present.
Scales on head and body minute cycloid. Color: head and body grayish
brown or beige dorsally, pale ventrally; 6-7 diagonal, short saddle-likedusky bars on dorsum; caudal fin withnumerous blackish dots. Size: 18.7 cm
SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.
Remarks: found in brackish estuaries
and adjacent intertidal mudflats.
(K. Shibukawa)

Scartelaos histophorus(Valenciennes, 1837)
Bearded Mudskipper
D V + 25–27; A 24–27; P1 19–21.
Body elongate, compressed. Headslightly subcylindrical; dermal cuplike process developed beneath eye;each side of ventral surface of headwith a row of barbels; an unpaired bar-Pseudapocryptes elongatus, KAUM–I. 47361, 14.8 cm SL
Ang Sila, 8 June 2012

Scartelaos histophorus, KAUM–I. 47357, 9.5 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 8 June 2012bel at ventral surface of lower jaw nearsymphysis; single row of conical teethon each jaw, in addition to a pair ofenlarged caninelike teeth internal tolower jaw symphysis; tongue entirely
adnated to floor of buccal cavity. First
dorsal fin elongate and falcate; pelvic
fins fused medially; frenum present.
Scales on body small cycloid, partiallyembedded. Sensory canals and poreson head. Color: head and body grayish, with several narrow, vague dusky
vertical bars especially on middle ofbody; caudal fin with 3–5 verticalrows of dusky spots. Size: 10.5 cm
SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.
Remarks: found on intertidal mudflats in estuaries and bays.
(K. Shibukawa)

194

Taenioides gracilis(Valenciennes, 1837)
Bearded Eel Goby
D VI, 42–52; A41–51; P1 12–18; LR
0; PDS 0. Body greatly elongate, eellike. Head subcylindrical. Head, bodyand vertical fins enveloped by thick,rubbery dermal covering. No scales onhead and body. Distinct cutaneous
ridges on head. Typically a single median and three pairs of short, fleshybarbels on ventral surface of lower
jaw. Eye reduced, minute. Teeth onoutermost row of jaws enlarged, slender fang-like. Dorsal and anal finsconfluent with caudal fin. Pelvic fins
fused medially. Sensory canals andpores absent on head. Color: head andbody grayish pink; vertical fins dull
yellowish orange, dusky basally. Size:
31 cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West
Pacific. Remarks: found in brackish
estuaries and adjacent coastal waters
with muddy bottoms. (K. Shibukawa)

Taenioides gracilis, KAUM–I. 47358, 9.2 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 8 June 2012

Trypauchen vagina, KAUM–I. 33095, 16.9 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 13 Nov. 2010

Trypauchen vagina(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Pink Worm Goby
D VI, 40–50; A39–47; P1 15–20; LR
80–115; PDS 0. Body very elongate
and compressed. Head compressed. A
pouch-like cavity just above operculum. Eye reduced, difficult to be discerned from external view. Dorsal andanal fins confluent with caudal fin.
Pelvic fins fused medialy, but connecting membrane between innermost
rays emarginated posteriorly; frenum
low. Scales on body cycloid; head naked. Sensory canals and pores absent
on head; numerous sensory papillae
scattered on cheek. Color: head andbody entirely reddish. Size: 15 cm SL.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found in bays and brackish
estuaries with muddy bottom.
(K. Shibukawa)

Yongeichthys nebulosus, KAUM–I. 33161, 9.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Nov. 2010

Yongeichthys nebulosus(Forsskål, 1775)
Shadow Goby
D VI + I, 9; A I, 9; P1 17–18; LR
25–28; PDS 0. Body moderately elongate, compressed. Head slightly compressed; jaws subequal; gill opening
not extending anteriorly to a verticalthrough preopercular margin. Pelvic
fins united medially; frenum present.
Scales ctenoid, excepting those on
breast and pectoral-fin base cycloid;

head naked. Sensory canals and porespresent on head; longitudinal patternof sensory-papillae rows on cheek,some rows multiple; aggregation of
sensory papillae just behind chin. Color: body pale gray or pale brown, withtwo dusky saddles and three large
dusky midlateral spots. Size: 10 cm
SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.
Remarks: found in brackish estuaries
and adjacent coastal waters with sandy-mud bottoms.
(K. Shibukawa)

195

EPHIPPIDAE

Spadefishes (Batfishes)
Medium sized (up to 20 cm)
marine fishes. Body deep, orbicular and strongly compressed. Headshort, its length shorter than half ofbody depth; interorbital region andanterior part of head naked or head
covered with scales. Mouth small,rear end of upper jaw not reachingvertical through anterior edge of eye;upper jaw not protrusible; jaws covered with bands of slender setiform
or compressed teeth. Dorsal fin single
or deeply notched before soft-rayedpart, with V–IX spines and 19–38
soft rays; anal fin with III spines and
15–27 soft rays; pectoral fins rounded
and usually shorter than head; caudal
fin truncate or wedge shaped. Scales
large and smooth, or small and ctenoid. Lateral line complete.
Color: adults silvery, silvery
blue-green, or yellowish silvery; frequently with vertical dark bars.
Remarks: occurring in various
shallow water habitats including estuaries, harbors, and coral reefs. Mar-

single dorsal fin with V–IX, 19–38

body deep,
orbicular

anal fin with III, 15–27

keted fresh but with small commercial
importance.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Drepanidae – upper jaw greatly
protrusible; pectoral fins elongate
reaching posterior part of anal fin base.
Chaetodontidae – dorsal fin with VI–
XVII spines and 14–34 soft rays; anal
fin with III–V spines and 15–24 soft

rays. Monodactylidae – pelvic fins
rudimentary or absent. Scatophagidae– dorsal fin notched or divided to base
before soft rayed part, with XI or XII
spines and 15–18 soft rays; anal fin
with IV spines and 13–17 soft rays.
(K. Matsuura)

Ephippus orbis(Bloch, 1787)
Spadefish
D IX, 19–20; A III, 15–17; P1 18–19;
LL 39–43. Body orbicular, strongly
compressed, head length less than halfof body depth. Mouth small, upper
jaw not reaching posteriorly verticalthrough anterior edge of eye; upper
jaw not protrusible; jaws covered withbands of slender incisiform teeth. Preopercle distinctly serrate with a wide
naked margin. Single dorsal fin with adeep notch before soft rayed part; pectoral fins shorter than head. Scales
relatively large and smooth. Lateralline complete. Color: head and bodysilvery blue-green; 4 to 5 vertical darkbars frequently on body; fins dusky.
Size: maximum size 20 cm. Distribution: tropical regions of the Indo-West
Pacific from India to Indonesia, northto southern Japan.
(K. Matsuura)

Ephippus orbis, KAUM–I. 33107, 10.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 18 Nov. 2010

196

Platax teira(Forsskål, 1775)
Spotbelly Batfish
D V–VI, 29–34; A III, 21–26; P1
16–28; LL 56–66; GR 9+11. Body orbicular, strongly compressed. Snout
short, contour of frontal almost vertical in large adults. Five pores on eachside of lower jaw. Tricuspid teeth onjaws; middle cusp slightly larger thanlateral cusps; a few teeth on vomer but
palatines toothless. Color: body yellowish silver with 3 vertical blackbands; pelvic fin yellow; a black
blotch laterally on belly. Size: maximum length 70 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: occurringin inshore waters.
(S. Kimura)

Platax teira, KAUM–I. 23947, 13.2 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 30 Sept. 2009

197

SCATOPHAGIDAE
Scats

Body greatly compressed, reaching to 32 cm. Dorsal profile of headsteeply ascending to dorsal fin origin; snout rounded. Mouth small, terminal; jaws not protrusible; villiform
teeth in several rows on jaws. Eyerelatively large, its diameter slightly
shorter than snout length. Dorsal fin
with XI or XII spines and 16–18 softrays; first dorsal fin spine procumbent; a deep notch between spinousand soft portions of dorsal fin. Anal
fin with IV spines and 13–16 soft
rays. Pectoral fin with 16 or 17 soft
rays. Caudal fin rounded in juveniles,
truncate or slightly emarginated in
adults. Head and body covered withsmall cycloid scales. Color: headand body greenish or silvery withmany black spots or bars.
Remarks: occurring in estuaries,
harbors, and lower reaches of rivers.
Marketed fresh but with small com-

dorsal fin with XI–XII, 16–18

mouth small,
not protrusible
body deepand compressedanal fin with IV, 13–16

mercial importance.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Chaetodontidae – lacking a
deep notch between spinous and soft
parts of dorsal fin; jaws protrusible.
Drepanidae – anal fin with III spines;

jaws protrusible; pectoral fins elongate, reaching beyond anal fin origin.
Pomacanthidae – preopercle with astrong, backwardly pointed spine; nodeep notch between spinous and soft
parts of dorsal fin.
(K. Matsuura)

Scatophagus argus(Bloch, 1788)
Spotted Scat
D XI, 16–18; A IV, 14–15; P1 16.
Body quadrangular, strongly compressed. Dorsal profile of head steeply
ascending to dorsal fin origin; snout
rounded. Mouth small, terminal; jaws
protrusible; villiform teeth in severalrows on jaws. Teeth villiform, making
several rows on jaws. Eye relatively
large, its diameter slightly shorter thansnout length. Color: ground color ofhead and body greenish; juveniles witha few large round blotches being almost equal to eye in size, or with 5–6
wide dark, vertical bars; adults withless distinct dark blotches or markings.
Size: maximum size 35 cm. Distribution: tropical regions of Indo-West Pacific from southern India and Sri Lanka
eastward to Tahiti, and northward to
southern Japan.
(K. Matsuura)
Scatophagus argus, KAUM–I. 32674, 8.4 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 22 Oct. 2010

198

SIGANIDAE
Rabbitfishes

Body oval, strongly compressed,
single dorsal fin with usually XIII, 10
reaching to 55 cm. Mouth small, terminal; jaws not protrusible; a single
row of compressed, incisiform teeth
recumbent
spine
on jaws. Dorsal fin with XIII spinesand 10 soft rays, preceded by embedded, recumbent spine. Anal fin with
VII spines and 9 soft rays. Pelvic finswith an inner and outer spines andseparated 3 soft rays. Fin spines witha pair of grooves containing venom
glands. Body covered with small,
cycloid scales. Color: species inhabiting coral reefs having bright color
with reticulations and markings, andother species with drab mottled patanal fin with VII, 9tern.
Remarks: dwelling on bottom marily herbivorous. Caught by bottom area: Acanthuridae and Chaetodontin shallow coastal waters. Some spe- trawlers, traps, set nets and by spear. idae – I spine and 5 soft rays in pelvic
fins.
(K. Matsuura)cies found in coral reefs and others Marketed fresh.
Similar families occurring in thein mangroves and seagrass beds. Pri-

Siganus canaliculatus(Park, 1797)
Whitespotted Spinefoot
D XIII, 10; A VII, 9; P1 16–17; P2 I, 3,
I. Body oblong, compressed, relatively
slender, its depth 2.3–2.8 in SL. Last
anal-fin spine 1.2–1.5 in longest analfin spine; soft parts of dorsal and anal
fins low, longest dorsal-fin ray 0.7–1.0
in longest dorsal-fin spine; caudal fin
almost emarginate in specimens < 10cm SL, forked in larger fish. Color:
highly variable, but body ground color
dark olive green or brownish gray dorsally, silvery white ventrally; numerous
pearly blue to whitish spots on napeand body. Size: maximum size about
25 cm, commonly to 20 cm. Distribution: Persian Gulf to Indonesia, northern Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, andMalaysia. Remarks: inhabits shallow
coastal waters. Feeds mainly on seawe
eds.
(S. Kimura)

Siganus canaliculatus, KAUM–I. 32833, 13.4 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

199

Siganus fuscescens(Houttuyn, 1782)
Mottled Spinefoot
D XIII, 10; A VII, 9; P1 15–17. Body
oval, relatively slender, its depth 2.3–
2.9 in SL. Last anal-fin spine 1.3–1.5
in longest anal-fin spine. Soft parts of
dorsal and anal fins low, longest dorsal
fin ray 0.5–1 times in longest dorsal
fin spine. Caudal fin slightly concave
in individuals smaller than 10 cm SL,
and becoming more concave withgrowth. Color: greatly variable, but
body ground color olive green or lightbrown on sides and back, silvery on
ventral half; many small light blue
spots scattered on head and body.
Size: maximum size 40 cm, commonly to 25 cm. Distribution: western
coast of Malay Peninsula and West Pacific from Thailand eastward to New
Caledonia, northward to the Ryukyu
Islands, and southward to northern
Australia.
(K. Matsuura)

Siganus fuscescens, KAUM–I. 33093, 15.3 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 13 Nov. 2010

Siganus guttatus(Bloch, 1787)
Orangespotted Spinefoot
D XIII, 10; A VII, 9; P1 15–17. Body
oval, strongly compressed, its depth
1.8–2.3 in SL. Snout short, dorsal profile of head steep anteriorly, somewhat
concave above eye. Fifth to eighth dorsal-fin spine longest. Last anal-fin
spine longest, longer than longest dorsal-fin spine. Caudal fin emarginate butmoderately forked in large adults.
Scales minute. Color: many large tomedium-sized orange to bronze spots
scattered laterally on body with a brightyellow spot at base of last few dorsalfin rays. Size: maximum length about
40 cm, commonly to 25 cm. Distribution: Andaman Sea and western Pacific. Remarks: inhabits shallow coastal
waters, often in brackish waters especially sea grass and mangrove areas.
Marketed fresh.
(S. Kimura)

Siganus guttatus, KAUM–I. 32873, 11.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 27 Oct. 2010

200

Siganus javus(Linnaeus, 1766)
Streaked Spinefoot
D XIII, 10; A VII, 9; P1 15–17. Body
relatively deep, its depth 2.0–2.3 in
SL. Last dorsal fin spine 1.2–1.6 in
fourth to sixth spine. Except for shortfirst spine, all anal-fin spines similarin length. Soft parts of dorsal and anal
fins moderately high, longest anal-fin
ray subequal to longest anal-fin spine.
Caudal fin slightly concave. Color:dark bronze on dorsal half, becoming
paler ventrally; many gun-metal blue
spots on head and dorsal half of body;silvery blue undulating lines on ventral half of body. Size: maximum size
50 cm, commonly to 30 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific from the Persian Gulf through the Malay Peninsula
eastward to Vanuatu, northward to thePhilippines, and southward to northern Australia.
(K. Matsuura)

Siganus virgatus(Valenclennes, 1835)
Doublebarred Spinefoot
D XIII, 10; A VII, 9; P1 16–17. Body
oval, strongly compressed, its depth
1.8–2.3 in SL. Snout moderate, dorsal
profile of head convex. Fifth to seventh dorsal-fin spine longest. Third or
fourth anal-fin spine usually longest.
Caudal fin emarginate. Color: a darkbrown band running from napethrough eye to chin; another fromfourth to fifth dorsal-fin spine bases topectoral fin base; these dark bands
containing light blue small spots andshort lines; posterior to second band,orange to yellow dorsally with light
blue spots, silver white ventrally. Size:maximum length about 33 cm, commonly 20 cm. Distribution: eastern
Indian Ocean and western Pacific,
from southern India to northern Australia, north to southern Japan. Remarks: inhabits shallow coastal waters, around coral reefs. Juveniles
often enter mangrove areas.
(S. Kimura)

Siganus javus, KAUM–I. 32965, 16.5 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 1 Nov. 2010

Siganus virgatus, KAUM–I. 32871, 12.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 27 Oct. 2010

201

SPHYRAENIDAE
Barracudas

Body elongate, slightly compressed, reaching to 170 cm. Headlong; snout pointed. Mouth horizontal, large; lower jaw projecting;large, sharp flattened or conical teeth
on jaws; usually 1 or 2 canine teeth
on tip of lower jaw. Gill rakers, if
present, as short spinules, 1 or 2 atangle of gill arch. Two short dorsal
fins, widely separated; the first with
IV spines located above or slightly
behind pelvic fins; the second with I
spine and 9 soft rays. Anal fin with
II spins and 7–9 soft rays. Caudal fin
deeply forked. Color: gray to blue,
or light brown dorsally, with silvery
reflections, paler or white ventrally.
Remarks: carnivorous pike-like,pelagic to demersal fishes in tropical2 dorsal fins separated
snout long and pointed;
mouth large

sharp canines near
tip of lower jaw

and temperate seas. Most of membersof the Sphyraenidae found in coastal
areas but also in the surface of open
seas or down to depths of 100 m.
Caught by handlines, gill nets, set nets
or trawls. Marketed fresh, also driedsalted.

Similar families occurring in
the area: Atherinidae and Mugilidae– having 2 separate dorsal fins andsilver body, but having a short snout
and small mouth without canine teeth.
(K. Matsuura)

Sphyraena jelloCuvier, 1829
Pickhandle Barracuda
D V + I, 9; A II, 7–9; P1 14–15; GR
0; LLp 130–140. Body elongate, subcylindrical. Snout long, pointed; posterior tip of maxilla reaching just below anterior margin of eye. First gillarch with rough platelets but lacking
distinct spine. Last ray of second dorsal fin not elongate in comparison
with penultimate ray; caudal fin typically forked in all stages, without apair of lobes at posterior margin; pelvic-fin insertion anterior to first dorsal-fin origin. Color: body brownish
dorsally, silvery white ventrally, withmany dark bars crossing lateral line,
each bar oblique in upper half, but almost vertical in lower half. Caudal fin
yellow without white tips. Size: maximum length 125 cm, commonly to 80
cm. Distribution: widely distributedin Indo-West Pacific, from East Africa
and Red Sea to New Caledonia andVanuatu. Remarks: inhabits coastal
waters, estuaries, and inner lagoon.
(S. Kimura)

Sphyraena obtusata
Cuvier, 1829
Obtuse Barracuda
D V + I, 9–10 (usually 9); A II, 9; P1

Sphyraena jello, KAUM–I. 47413, 18.3 cm SL
Ang Sila, 15 June 2012

Sphyraena obtusata, KAUM–I. 47757, 15.1 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 21 July 2012

11–13; P2 I, 5; GR 2; LLp 78–85.
Body elongate, subcylindrical. Snoutlong, pointed; posterior tip of maxilla
just reaching to or extending beyond
anterior nostril. Posterior tip of opercle rounded, obtuse above level ofpectoral-fin base. Caudal peduncle
low, moderately compressed. Pelvicfin origin anterior to origin of firstdorsal fin. Scales on body cycloid,
highly deciduous; scales above lateralline 5–7.5; scales below lateral line
8.5–9.5. Color: head and body darkgreen dorsally, silvery-white ventrally.

Two indistinct yellow to brown longitudinal stripes laterally on body. Caudal fin yellow with greenish base.
Size: maximum length 55 cm. Distribution: widely distributed in IndoWest Pacific, from East Africa and
Red Sea to Papua New Guinea, northto Japan. This species invaded to eastern Mediterranean. Remarks: inhabits shallow coastal waters. Marketed
fresh, salted and dried. Sphyraena flavicauda Rüppell is a junior synonymof S. obtusata (see Doiuchi & Nakabo,2005).
(S. Kimura)

202

TRICHIURIDAE
Cutlassfishes

Body remarkably elongate andcompressed, ribbon-like, with a tapered tail or small forked caudal
fin (up to over 2 m). A single nasal
opening on each side of head. Mouth
large, jaws not protractile, lower jaw
extends anterior to upper jaw. Teeth
extremely strong, fang-like in anterior part of upper jaw and sometimes
in anterior part of lower jaw. Dorsal
fin low and long, beginning shortly
behind eye, its anterior spinous partshorter than posterior soft part, 2
parts continous mostly or interrupted
by a shallow notch sometimes. Anal
fin low or reduced to short spinules.
Caudal fin either small and forked orabsent. Pectoral fins short and low
in position. Pelvic fins reduced to ascale-like spine (plus a rudimentary
ray in Benthodesmus) or completely
absent (in Trichiurus and Lepturacanthus). Preanal length less than 1/2

Trichiurus lepturus
Linnaeus, 1758

body extremely elongate and compressedsingle nostril

pelvic fins absent or reduced to a scale-like spine
mouth large, withstrong canine teeth

standard length. Lateral line single.
Scales absent.
Color: body generally metallic
silvery or more or less brown in Aphanopus and Lepidopus; pectoral fin
semi transparent; dorsal and anal finssometimes tinged with pale yellow.
Usually no distinct marks or blotches
on body.
Remarks: benthopelagic on continental shelves and slopes and un-

derwater rises, from the surface toa depth of about 2 000 m, found intropical to warm-temperate waters.
Excellent eating, although the flesh
is scanty. Marketed mostly fresh or
salted, sometimes also frozen.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Gempylidae – double nostrils on each side of head; 2 dorsal
fins.
(M. Matsunuma)

Trichiurus lepturus, KAUM–I. 33185, 31.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Nov. 2010

Largehead Hairtaila
D III, 124–138; A II, 105–108; P1
10–12. Body extremely elongate andstrongly compressed, ribbon-like, tapering to a point posteriorly. Eyelarge; mouth large, with a dermal process at tip of each jaw; 2 or 3 pairs ofenlarged fangs with barbs near tip ofupper jaw, and another pair near tip oflower jaw, a single series of sharp,
compressed lateral teeth in both jaws,
minute teeth on palatines. Lower hindmargin of gill cover concave. Dorsal
fin high and long, without a notch between spinous and soft parts; pectoral
fin rather short, but extend beyond lateral line; caudal and pelvic fins absent.
No scales on body. Color: fresh specimens steel blue with silvery reflection,
pectoral fins semi-transparent, otherfins sometimes tinged with pale yellow hyaline in fresh, especially strong
yellow just after death. Size: maxi-

mum length about 1.8 m. Distribution: considered as a cosmopolitan
species of tropical and temperate waters. Remarks: basically offshore waters, and occurs in somewhat deeper
coastal area, but often collected evenin mangrove or estuary basin and to adepth of ca. 150 m depth.
(M. Matsunuma)

203

SCOMBRIDAE

Mackerels and Tunas
Medium to large sized marine
fishes, maximum size over 5 m.
Body relatively elongate and fusiform, moderately compressed. Snout
pointed, upper jaw not protrusible.
Caudal peduncle slender with 2 ormore lateral keels on each side. Two
dorsal fins, the first usually shortbased with IX–XXVII spines, separated from or apparently contiguous
to the second. Finlets (5–12 each)present behind second dorsal andanal fins. Caudal fin deeply forked.
Pectoral fins inserted high on body.
Pelvic fins relatively small with I
spine and 5 soft rays, located below
pectoral fins. Body covered withsmall to medium cycloid scales ora corselet developed on area behind
head and pectoral fins. Lateral line
present. Color: body dark blue or2 dorsal fins separated
finlets present behinddorsal and anal finslateral keels on
caudal peduncle

dark green dorsally, silvery white ventrally. Usually dark vertical or longitudinal bands and/or spots on sides.
Remarks: typical pelagic fishes;
smaller fishes usually inhabits inshore
waters; large tunas, Thunnus, transoceanic migrants. Important food fishes.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Carangidae – dorsal-fin spines

III–VIII; II detached anal-fin spines;
scutes developed along posterior partof lateral line in most species. Gempylidae – body dark brown to brown
dorsally without distinct marks or
blotches; no keels on caudal peduncle except Lepidocybium.
(S. Kimura)

Auxis thazard(Lacepède, 1800)
Frigate Tuna
D XI–XII + 10–12; A 12–14; P1 22–
25; GR 38–42. Body fusiform, somewhat deep, compressed. Jaws withsmall conical teeth. Caudal peduncle
with a large lateral keel and caudal-finbase with 2 small keels. Two dorsal
fins well separated by a wide interspace. Seven to 8 finlets both dorsallyand ventrally on caudal peduncle. A
large flap between pelvic fins (interpelvic process). Body naked except
for corselet which becoming steeply
narrower below interspace between
dorsal fins. Color: head and body dark
blue dorsally, silvery white ventrally.
A blue-black spot on upper gill cover
separated from blue-black area on dorsum of head. Dark blue vermiculate

Auxis thazard, KAUM–I. 47407, 24.2 cm SL
Ang Sila, 15 June 2012

markings or stripes dorsolaterally on
posterior body. Size: maximum length
65 cm FL. Distribution: Circumglobal in tropical and temperate seas, including Red Sea and Hawaiian Islands, but not the eastern Pacific.
Remarks: closely related species

Auxis eurydorax Collette & Aadland,
1996 distributed restrictedly in theeastern Pacific. The species was originally described as a subspecies of A.
thazard.
(S. Kimura)

204

Rastrelliger brachysoma(Bleeker, 1851)
Short Mackerel
D VIII–XI + 12; A I, 12; P1 19–20;
LGR 30–48. Body moderately deep,
compressed. Head equal to or less thanbody depth. Maxilla covered by lacrimal bone. Adipose eyelid well developed. Gill rakers very long, visible
when mouth is opened. Caudalfin basewith 2 small lateral keels. Two dorsal
fins widely separated. Anal fin spine
rudimentary. Five dorsal and 5 anal
finlets. Pectoral fins short; a small
single flap between pelvic fins (interpelvic process). Body covered withsmall scales. Color: head and bodybluish green dorsally, silverywhiteventrally. First dorsal and caudal fins
yellowish. Size: maximum length 35
cm FL. Distribution: tropical watersof central Indo-West Pacific, from Andaman Sea to Fiji, north to Philippines. Remarks: found in neritic waters. Feeds on microzooplanktons andphytoplanktons. Marketed fresh,
dried, salted, and smoked. (S. Kimura)

Rastrelliger kanagurta(Cuvier, 1816)

Rastrelliger brachysoma, KAUM–I. 33019, 12.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Nov. 2010

Rastrelliger kanagurta, KAUM–I. 47708, 17.3 cm SL
Rayong, 11 July 2012

Indian Mackerel
D VIII–XI + 11–13; A I, 11–12; P1
19–22; LGR 30–46. Body slightly
deep, compressed. Head longer thanbody depth. Maxilla covered by lacrimal bone. Adipose eyelid well developed. Gill rakers very long, visible
when mouth is opened. Caudal finbase with 2 small lateral keels. Two
dorsal fins widely separated. Anal fin
spine rudimentary. Five or six dorsal
and anal finlets. Pectoral fins short; asmall single flap between pelvic fins(interpelvic process). Body covered
with small scales. Color: head andbody bluish green dorsally, silverywhite ventrally. One or two rows ofsmall, dark spots dorsolaterally on
body. First dorsal, caudal and pectoral
fins yellowish. Size: maximum length
35 cm, commonly to 25 cm FL. Distribution: widely distributed in IndoWest Pacific, from South Africa and
Red Sea to Samoa, north to southern
Japan. Remarks: found in coastal waters. Feeds on macrozooplanktons.
Marketed fresh, dried, salted, and smo
ked.
(S. Kimura)

Scomberomorus commerson, KAUM–I. 47470, 26.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 20 June 2012

Scomberomorus commerson(Lacepède, 1800)
Narrowbarred Spanish Mackerel
D XV–XVIII + 15–20; A 16–21; P1
21–24; GR 0–2 + 1–8 = 1–8, V 19–20+ 23–27 = 42–46. Body elongate,strongly compressed. Upper jaw
reaching to or extending slightly beyond posterior margin of eye. Teeth onjaws strong with finely serrated edge.
Caudal peduncle with a large lateralkeel and caudal-fin base with 2 small
keels. Two dorsal fins scarcely separated. Eight to 11 dorsal and 7–12 anal

finlets. Pectoral fins short, pointed.
Body covered with small scales. A
single lateral line abruptly bent downward below posterior end of dorsal-finbase. Color: head and body bluish silver dorsally, silvery-white ventrally.
Many vertical dark bars on body. Size:maximum length 220 cm, commonly
to 90 cm FL. Distribution: widelydistributed in Indo-West Pacific, fromSouth Africa and Red Sea to Fiji, northto Japan. Remarks: found in coastal
waters. Feeds on fishes. Marketed
mainly fresh.
(S. Kimura)

205

ARIOMMATIDAE
Ariomatids

Small to medium-sized (to 78cm) fishes. Body deep, compressed,
or more rounded, elongate body;
flesh firm and oily; skin thin, mucous canal system well-developed
beneath skin. Caudal peduncle shortand slender, not compressed; with 2
low lateral keels on each side nearcaudal-fin base. Head moderately
large, compressed. Opercle very thin,delicate. Eye large. Mouth small andterminal, upper jaw not protractile,
almost totally covered by lacrimal(preorbital) bone when mouth closed;
teeth absent from palatines and vomer. Gill rakers slender and numerous, about 20 to 30 on first gill arch.
Branchiostegal rays 6. Two distinct
dorsal fins, almost connected; firstdorsal fin with X to XIII; second dorsal fin much lower than first dorsal
fin, usually with I spine and 13 to 16
soft rays. Anal fin with I to III and 13
to 18 soft rays, similar to second dorsal fin in shape but with shorter base.
Caudal fin deeply forked. Pelvic-fin

2 dorsal fins separated

2 low lateral keels
on caudal peduncle baseorigin below or behind pectoral-fin
insertion. Lateral line on upper halfof body. Scales large, cycloid, thin,very deciduous, top of snout naked toabove eye, sharply demarcated frompredorsal scales. Vertebrae 29 to 32.
Color: silvery, with opalescenttinges; slightly darker on back.
Remarks: Occur in large demersal
schools on the continental shelf andslope to depths of at least 750 m. Appear to feed on small pelagic invertebrates.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Carangidae – a large mouth, I
to II separate spines preceding anal
fin, spinous dorsal fin lower than soft
dorsal fin and many have scutes on
caudal peduncle. Centrolophidae – asingle dorsal fin; spinous much lower
than soft dorsal fin; caudal keels absent; branchiostegal rays 7. Nomeidae – caudal peduncle deep and compressed; caudal keels absent; teeth
present on palate. (S. Tafzilmeriam)

Ariomma indicum(Day, 1871)
Indian Arriomma
D X–XII + I, 14–15; A III, 14–15; P1
21–24; P2 I, 5; GR 23; V 31. Body
firm, moderately deep (more than
40% standard length), slightly compressed. Caudal peduncle slender, notcompressed, almost square in crosssection with a very low keel (mostly
indistinct) at base of each caudal-fin
lobe. Snout blunt and rounded; mouthvery small, terminal, upper jaw notprotractile, almost totally covered bylacrimal (preorbital) bone when mouthclosed. Eye moderately large. Jaw
teeth small, cusps at tip minute. Two
dorsal fins, almost joined at bases;
first dorsal fin originating over orslightly before pectoral-fin base;spines long and slender, delicate,
about twice length of longest soft rays.
Anal fin similar in shape to second
dorsal fin. Caudal fin deeply forked.
Pelvic fins short. Scales small, cycloid
and extremely deciduous. Lateral line
located on upper side, following dor-Ariomma indicum, KAUM–I. 32825, 12.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

sal profile but not extending onto caudal peduncle. Color: silvery but
slightly more brownish dorsally;
young with darker patches and blotches on side, fading or absent in adults;
first dorsal fin and margin of caudal
fin dark; dark vertical band throughmideye. Size: maximum standard
length about 25 cm, commonly to 18

cm. Distribution: Eastern Africa,
along the continental margin of thenorthern Indian Ocean, eastward to Japan and the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia. Remarks: mainly demersal insmall schools on the continental shelfin depths below 50 m but occasionallycaught on the upper continental slope
to 300 m.
(S. Tafzilmeriam)

206

STROMATEIDAE
Butterfishes

Medium sized (up to 60 cm)
marine fishes. Body strongly deepand compressed. Snout short, blunt.
Mouth small, terminal or slightly inferior, not protractile. Teeth on jaws
uniserial, small and flattened with
3 minute cusps. No teeth on vomer
or palatines. Gill membranes joined
to breast (Pampus) or not usuallyconnected to isthmus (Peprilus andStromateus). Branchiostegal rays
5 or 6. Caudal peduncle short andcompressed with no scutes or keels.
Dorsal fin single, anal fin similar inshape to dorsal fin. Caudal fin forked
or emarginate. Pectoral fins long.
Pelvic fins absent in adults. Body
covered with small cycloid scales.
Lateral line single dorsolaterally on
body. Color: body silvery white,dark brownish in some species.
Remarks: coastal fishes, feeds
mainly on zooplanktons. Three genera, Pampus (Indo-West Pacific),
Peprilus (western Atlantic and eastern Pacific), and Stromateus (Atlantic and eastern Pacific). Importantcaudal fin forked or
emarginate

mouth small,
not protractile

no pelvic fins in adults

food fishes.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Carangidae – Parastromateus
niger, very similar in shape to Pampus,
having small scutes along posterior

part of lateral line; gill membrane
not united to isthmus. Centrophidae– pelvic fins present; 7 branchiostegals. Nomeidae – 2 dorsal fins; pelvic fins present.
(S. Kimura)

Pampus argenteus(Euphrasen, 1788)
Silver Pomfret
D V–X + 37–43; A V–X + 34–43; P1
24–27; GR 10–13; V 34–37. Body
oval, strongly compressed. Gill opening short, slit-like. Gill rakers verysmall, vestigial. Anterior dorosal andanal fins falcate. Caudal fin deeply
forked, lower lobe often extended.
Sensory canal area on temporal extending backward along lateral line.
Color: head and body dark brownish
silver dorsally, silvery white ventrally.
Anal and caudal fins yellowish. Size:maximum length 60 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, from Persian
Gulf to Indonesia. Remarks: found incoastal waters over muddy bottom.
Marketed fresh.
(S. Kimura)

Pampus argenteus, KAUM–I. 32755, 14.4 cm SL
Ang Sila, 23 Oct. 2010

207

CHANNIDAE
Snakeheads

Medium to large sized fishes
Dorsal fin base long and without spine(maximum size about 130 cm TL).
Body elongate. Head depressed. Eyelarge. Dorsal and anal fin bases longand entirely soft-rayed. Pelvic fin
present or absent. Mouth large withwell-developed teeth on both upperand lower jaws. Caudal fin rounded
Mouth large
to somewhat truncated. Suprabranchial (air-breathing) organ present.
Anal fin base long and without spine
Color: highly variable, body including head from brownish, dark brown
Remarks: Carnivorous. Feeds on East and southern Asia. Some species
to dark blue with bands, blotchesor spots (including ocelli) in vari- all smaller animals including insects, utilized as aquarium fishes.
Similar families occurring inous colors (e.g., red, orange, yellow, crustaceans, fish and frogs. Many species utilized as important food fishes in the area: None. (P. Musikasinthorn)
gold, blue, black).

Channa lucius(Cuvier, 1831)
D 37–41; A 25–30; P1 16–19; LL
57–70. Body elongate, cylindrical andsomewhat compressed. Body depth
and width greatest at insertion of analfin. Head depressed and somewhat
conical. Snout pointed in dorsal view.
A patch of small scales present at chinregion (gular scales). Dorsal and analfin bases long. Pelvic fin length morethan 50% of pectoral fin length.
Large canine-like teeth on vomer andpalatine. Color: body dark brownwith a row of several irregular dark
blotches on lateral side of body. Manysmall black spots scattered on ventral
side of body. A large irregular black
blotch at posterior portion of gill cover. In juveniles, two bold black longitudinal bands run from tip of snout tothe middle of the caudal fin. Size: attains about 40 cm SL. Distribution:
known from Indochina including Malay Peninsula and insular southeast
Asia (Sumatra, Borneo and Java). Remarks: usually found in freshwater
habitats but occasionally caught intidal river reaches in the flooded(rainy) season. Marketed fresh anddried.
(P. Musikasinthorn)

Body depth and width greatest at insertion of anal fin and pectoral fin, respectively. Head depressed and moderately wide. Snout rounded in dorsal
view. Gular scales absent at chin region. Dorsal and anal-fin bases long.
Pelvic fin length more than 50% of
pectoral fin length. No large caninelike teeth on vomer and palatine. ColChanna striata
or: body dark brown above, extending(Bloch, 1793)
into irregular dark bands below. PecStriped Snakehead
toral fins without spots or bands. JuveD 38–47; A 23–29; P1 15–19; LL niles have black markings (sometimes
50–61. Body elongate and cylindrical. forming ocelli) at posterior end of dor-Channa lucius, KAUM–I. 23370, 5.7 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 22 Sept. 2009

Channa striata, KAUM–I. 23941, 4.2 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 30 Sept. 2009

sal fin. Size: attains about 60 cm SL.
Distribution: known from Pakistan
through Southeast Asia east to Yunnan, southern China. Introduced andestablished in subtropical and tropicalislands including Taiwan, New Guinea, the Philippines and Sulawesi, Indonesia. Remarks: one of the mostimportant and popular freshwater food
fishes in southeast Asia. Usually foundin freshwater habitats but occasionallycaught in tidal river reaches in theflooded (rainy) season. Marketed fresh(P. Musikasinthorn)and dried.

208

PSETTODIDAE
Spiny Turbots

Marine flatfishes in middle size,
maximum size ca. 80 cm. Body
oval, caudal peduncle deeper thanits length. Eyes on right or left sideof head. Mouth large, extending wellbeyond posterior margin of lower
eye. Teeth on jaws large canines,
many with barbed tips; vomer andpalatine with teeth. Margin of preopercle distinct, not covered withskin. Dorsal fin origin well posterior
to upper eye. Anterior rays of dorsal
and anal fins spinous. Pelvic fin with
1 spine and 5 soft rays, nearly symmetrically placed on each sides of
midventral line. Caudal fin with 15
branched rays, separated from dorsal
and anal fins. Lateral line on bothsides of body, only slightly curved
above pectoral fin. Weak ctenoid
scales covering both sides of body.
Vertebrae usually 10 + 14=24. Color: ocular side brownish, blind sidepale brown.
Remarks: single genus, Psettodes, with one species (P. erumei)
from Indo-West Pacific and two (P.

anterior dorsal-fin rays spinous
dorsal fin notextending to head

pelvic finswith I spine
anterior anal-fin rays spinous

belcheri Bennett, 1831 and P. bennettii Steindachner, 1870) from western
Africa. Occurring in coastal waters.
Food fish.
Similar family occurring in thearea: Psettodidae differs from allother flatfish families in having dorsal fin origin well posterior to upper
eye, and anterior rays of dorsal andanal fin spinous. Citharidae – lateralline highly arched above pectoral
fin. Paralichthyidae – pelvic fin with-out spine; lateral line highly archedabove pectoral fin. Bothidae – pelvic
fin without spine; origin of pelvic fin
on eyed side anterior to that on blindside; lateral line highly arched above
pectoral fin. Samaridae – pelvic fin
on blind side absent. Soleidae – pelvic fin without spine; origin of pelvic
fin on eyed side anterior to that on
blind side. Cynoglossidae – caudal
fin continuous with dorsal and anal
fins.
(H. Imamura)

Psettodes erumei(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Indian Halibut
D IX–XI, 38–45; A I, 33–43; P1 14–
16; P2 I, 5; LL 61–77. Body oval,
strongly compressed. Eyes on right orleft side of head. Mouth large, extending well beyond posterior margin oflower eye. Teeth on jaws large canines; vomer and palatine with small
conical teeth. Anterior rays of dorsal
and anal fin spinous. Caudal fin separated from dorsal and anal fins. Lateralline on both sides of body, only slightly curved above pectoral fin. Scales on
small, weakly ctenoid on both sides ofbody. Color: eyed side generally
brownish or grayish, sometimes with
4 or 5 broad dark cross bands; dorsal,
anal, posterior portion of caudal in
darker; blind side pale brown. Size:maximum total length about 60 cm,

Psettodes erumei, KAUM–I. 32876, 13.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 27 Oct. 2010

most commonly 20–40 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, from South
Africa and Red Sea to northern Australia, north to Taiwan. Remarks:
found on sandy and muddy bottoms.
Marketed fresh.
(H. Imamura)

Psettodes erumei
KAUM–I. 33172, 12.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Nov. 2010

209

CITHARIDAE

Largescale Flounders
Marine flatfishes in small size,
maximum size less than 40 cm. Body
elliptical strongly compressed. Eyeson left side of head in some species, on right side in others. Mouth
moderate or somewhat large. Smalland slender teeth on jaws. Marginof preopercle distinct, not covered
with skin. Dorsal fin origin anterior
to eyes. Anterior rays of dorsal andanal fins not spinous. Pelvic fin with
1 spine and 5 soft rays, fin bases onboth sides short. Caudal fin with
13–15 branched rays, separated fromdorsal and anal fins. Lateral line usually present on both sides of body,with high arch above pectoral fin.
Body scales large; ctenoid scales oneyed side, weakly ctenoid or cycloid
scales on blind side. Color: eyed sidewith some spots on body and fins;
blind side whitish.

no dorsal-fin spines

pelvic finswith I spine

no anal-fin spines

Remarks: five genera, Brachypleura, Citharoides, Citharus, Lepidoblepharon and Paracitharus, are
known from Indo-West Pacific. Usually found on sandy or muddy-sandy
bottoms. Food fish.
Similar family occurring in thearea: Psettodidae – dorsal fin origin
well posterior to upper eye; anteriorrays of dorsal and anal fin spinous;

lateral line slightly curved above
pectoral fin. Paralichthyidae – pelvic
fin without spine. Bothidae – pelvic
fin without spine; origin of pelvic
fin on eyed side anterior to that on
blind side. Samaridae – pelvic fin onblind side absent. Soleidae – pelvic
fin without spine. Cynoglossidae –caudal fin continuous with dorsal andanal fins.
(H. Imamura)

Brachypleura novaezeelandiae(Günther, 1862)
Widemouth Largescale Flatfish
D 65–77; A 41–50; P1 11–13 (eyedside), 10–13 (blind side); P2 I, 5; LL
28–33; GR 5–6 + 7–10. Body elliptical, strongly compressed. Both eyes
on right side of body. Head 2.2–2.7 in
SL. Mouth large, arched, reaching toor beyond center of lower eye, but notreaching to posterior margin of lower
eye. Some anterior rays of dorsal fin
elongate in males, not in females.
Caudal fin rounded posteriorly. Lateral line usually present on both sides ofbody, with high arch above pectoral
fin. Body scales large; ctenoid scales
on eyed side, weakly ctenoid or cycloid scales on blind side. Color: eyedside of body yellowish or yellowish
brown; dorsal, anal and caudal fins

Brachypleura novaezeelandiae, KAUM–I. 23819, 9.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

paler than body, with dark spots; blind area of South China Sea. Remarks:side of body whitish. Size: maximum found on sandy and muddy bottoms, at
total length 14 cm. Distribution: In- depths of 18 to 73 m. Marketed fresh.
do-West Pacific, including Maldive(H. Imamura)
Islands, Andaman Sea, and northern

210

Lepidoblepharon ophthalmolepis
Weber, 1913
Scale-eyed Flounder
D 65–70; A 45–48; P1 11–12 (eyedside), 11 (blind side); P2 I, 5; LL 28–
33; GR 4–7 + 10–11. Body elliptical,
strongly compressed. Both eyes onright side of body. Head 3.0–3.3 in SL.
Mouth large, arched, extending below
middle of lower eye. Dorsal surface ofeye with scales. Anterior rays of dorsal
fin not elongate in both males and females. Caudal fin rounded posteriorly.
Lateral line present on both sides ofbody, with high arch above pectoral
fin. Body scales large; ctenoid scales
on eyed side, cycloid scales on blindside. Color: eyed side of body brownish; blind side of body whitish; no distinct dark spot near bases of last dorsal
and anal fin rays. Size: maximum total
length 29 cm. Distribution: West Pacific, including southern Japan, Korean Peninsula, Philippines and Gulf ofThailand. Remarks: known from
depths of 121 to 240 m. Apparently
not marketed.
(H. Imamura)

Lepidoblepharon ophthalmolepis, KAUM–I. 33226, 8.9 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010

211

PARALICHTHYIDAESand Flounders

Body elliptical to oval, strongly
compressed, reaching to 40 cm. Headlarge, 3.0–4.4 in SL. Mouth rather
large. Teeth uniserial on both jaws.
Eyes on left side of head, separated
by a bony ridge. Margin of preopercle distinct, not covered with skin.
Dorsal fin origin anterior to eyes.
Anterior rays of dorsal and anal
fins not spinous. Pelvic fin without
spines; pelvic fin bases on both sides
short, subequal and subsymmetrical in position. Caudal fin separated
from dorsal and anal fins. Lateral line
equally developed on both sides ofbody, with high arch above pectoral
fin and supratemporal branch, running upward to anterior part of dorsal
fin. Body scales large; ctenoid scales
on eyed side, weakly ctenoid or cycloid scales on blind side. Color:body brownish or light greenish withdark spots or rings.
Remarks: most species known

eyes onleft side
pectoral fin rays on
ocular side branchedpelvic fin bases
short and subsymmetricalfrom shallow sandy and muddy bottoms of continental shelf; some species from brackish waters near rivermouths.
Similar family occurring in thearea: Psettodidae – dorsal fin origin
well posterior to upper eye; anteriorrays of dorsal and anal fin spinous;
pelvic fin with one spine; lateral line

slightly curved above pectoral fin.
Citharidae – pelvic fin with one
spine. Bothidae – origin of pelvic fin
on eyed side anterior to that on blindside. Samaridae – pelvic fin on blindside absent. Soleidae – eyes on left
side of head. Cynoglossidae – caudal
fin continuous with dorsal and anal fi
ns.
(H. Imamura)Pseudorhombus arsius(Hamilton, 1822)
Largetooth Flounder
D 71–84; A 53–62; P1 12–13 (eyedside); LL 69–81. Body oval. Head
3.3–3.6 in SL; upper profile of headwith a slight notch anterior to uppereye. Upper jaw extending to below
posterior margin of lower eye. Several
pairs of moderately large canine teeth
in anterior part of both jaws. Scales
ctenoid on eyed side, cycloid on blindside. Color: body greenish or lightbrown; a dark blotch at junction ofstraight and curved parts of lateralline; a smaller blotch halfway to caudal fin base. Size: maximum standard
length 45 cm, commonly to 30 cm.
Distribution: widespread in IndoWest Pacific, from eastern coast of
Africa eastward to Australia and Fiji.
Remarks: found from shallow muddy-sandy or muddy bottoms fromcoastal areas to river mouths.
(H. Imamura)Pseudorhombus arsius, KAUM–I. 23188, 12.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 8 Sept. 2009

212

Pseudorhombus javanicus(Bleeker, 1853)
Javan Flounder
D 67–76; A 51–56; P1 11–12 (eyedside); LL 66–74. Body oval. Head
3.2–3.6 in SL; upper profile of head
without notch anterior to upper eye.
Upper jaw extending to below middleof lower eye. Teeth on both jaws
small, with slightly enlarged teeth anteriorly. Scales ctenoid on anteriorpart, and dorsal and ventral margins ofbody of eyed side; those on other areasof eyed side and blind side cycloid.
Color: body brownish, with a distinct,
large dark blotch at junction of straightand curved parts of lateral line, and asmaller blotch on middle of straightsection of lateral line. Size: maximum
standard length 35 cm, commonly to
20 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, from eastern coast of India eastward to western New Guinea and tosouthern China. Remarks: foundfrom shallow waters on mud and sandbottoms of continental shelf.
(H. Imamura)Pseudorhombus javanicus, KAUM–I. 22895, 10.1 cm SL
Ang Sila, 31 Aug. 2009

Pseudorhombus oligodon(Bleeker, 1854)
Roughscale Flounder
D 78–82; A 61–64; P1 12–13 (eyedside), 11–12 (blind side); LL 80–90.
Body oval. Head 3.5–3.8 in SL; upperprofile of head with a shallow notch
anterior to upper eye. Upper jaw extending to below middle or posterior
part of lower eye. Scales small, ctenoid on both sides of body. Lateralline well developed on both sides ofbody. Color: eye side of body greenish brown, with a dark blotch at junction between straight and curved portions of lateral line; 2 dark spots below
base of pectoral fin; blind side of bodyyellowish white. Size: maximum SL
30 cm, commonly 10–20 cm. Distribution: West Pacific, from Japan to
South China Sea. Remarks: foundfrom mud and sand bottoms of continental shelf in 30–40 m depth.
(H. Imamura)Pseudorhombus oligodon, KAUM–I. 47766, 11.2 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 21 July 2012

213

BOTHIDAE

Lefteye Flounders
Marine flatfishes. Body ellipticalto oval, strongly compressed, reaching to 88 cm. Mouth small to large.
Eyes on left side of head. Interorbital width variable; males of somespecies with wider interorbit thanfemale. Margin of preopercle distinct, not covered with skin. Dorsal
fin origin above or ahead of anterior
margin of upper eye. Anterior raysof dorsal and anal fins not spinous.
Pelvic fin without spines; pelvic finof eyed side on midventral line withorigin anterior to origin of pelvic
fin of blind side; pelvic fin of blindside above midventral line. Caudal
fin separated from dorsal and anal
fins. Lateral line on eyed side highly
arched above pectoral fin; lateral line
absent below lower eye. Color: eyedside of body brownish, usually withspots, blotches, or rings; blind sideof body whitish, but dark colored insome species.
Remarks: usually found on san-eyes on leftside

dorsal and anal
fins not attached
to caudal fin

no lateral line below
lower eyepelvic fin bases
asymmetricaldy and muddy bottoms, but some species on rocky or coral reefs. Feeds on
small fishes, crustaceans, gastropods
and other benthic animals. Twenty
genera. Food fish.
Similar family occurring in thearea: Psettodidae – dorsal fin origin
well posterior to upper eye; anteriorrays of dorsal and anal fin spinous;
pelvic fin with one spine; lateral line

slightly curved above pectoral fin.
Citharidae – pelvic fin with one
spine. Paralichthyidae – pelvic finbases on both sides short, subequaland subsymmetrical in position.
Samaridae – pelvic fin on blind sideabsent. Soleidae – eyes on left sideof head. Cynoglossidae – caudal fin
continuous with dorsal and anal fins.
(H. Imamura)

Arnoglossus aspilos(Bleeker, 1851)
Spotless Lefteye Flounder
D 80–84; A 59–64; P1 11–12 (eyedside); LL 46–48. Body rather deep.
Head 3.7–4.1 in SL; upper profile ofhead with a notch anterior to eyes.
Eyes separated by a space less thanhalf eye diameter. Upper jaw extending slightly beyond anterior margin oflower eye. Teeth on jaws small anduniserial. Body scales ctenioid on
eyed side, cycloid on blind side. Color: body finely mottled brown withsmall blackish spots on rays of median
fins; the largest spot on each outerbranched rays of caudal fin. Size: attains 8.5 cm. Distribution: Indo-West
Pacific, including Oman, Arabian
Gulf, Indonesia, Singapore and Gulfof Thailand.
(H. Imamura)

Arnoglossus aspilos, KAUM–I. 32787, 6.4 cm SL
Ang Sila, 23 Oct. 2010

214

Engyprosopon grandisquama(Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Largescale Flounder
D 80–91; A 57–69; P1 10–13 (eyedside); LL 41–48. Body oval. Head
3.5–4.2 in SL; upper profile of headwith a slight concavity anterior to upper margin of lower eye. Single strong
rostral spine near snout in males, absent or feeble in females. Upper jaw
extending to below anterior portion oflower eye. Teeth on upper jaw biserial,
those on lower jaw uniserial. Scales
large, with short ctenii on eyed side,
cycloid on blind side. Color: eyedside light brown, many dark spots andrings irregularly scattered on it; caudal
fin with a pair of large prominent jetblack blotches. Size: maximum standard length about 11 cm, commonly to
8 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, including East Africa, southern Japan and northern Australia. Remarks:
found from mud and sand bottoms ofcontinental shelf, at depths of 10–(H. Imamura)
100 m.

Engyprosopon grandisquama, KAUM–I. 33173, 6.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Nov. 2010

Engyprosopon longipelvis
Amaoka, 1969
D 79–83; A 60–64; P1 11–12 (eyedside), 8–10 (blind side); LL 37–42;
GR 0 + 6–7. Body elliptical. Head
3.5–3.9 in SL. Snout obtuse, strongly
protruding. Single strong rostral spine
on snout in males, absent or feeble infemales. Interorbit shallowly concave,wider in males than in females. Upper
jaw extending to below anterior 1/3 ormiddle of lower eye. Teeth on upper
jaw biserial, those on lower jaw uniserial. Scales rather large, with feeble
ctenii on eyed side, cycloid on blindside. Color: eyed side of body lightbrown; all fins irregularly scattered
blackish spots; blind side of body
milky white. Size: maximum SL about
7 cm. Distribution: only from southern Japan, West Pacific. Remarks:
found from sandy-muddy bottoms
shallower than 30 m. (H. Imamura)Engyprosopon longipelvis, KAUM–I. 22898, 6.4 cm SL
Ang Sila, 31 Aug. 2009

215

Engyprosopon multisquama
Amaoka, 1963
D 83–96; A 62–73; P1 9–11 (eyedside), 9–10 (blind side); LL 45–50;
GR 0 + 5–8. Body rather deep. Head
4.0–4.8 in SL. Snout short. Single
strong rostral spines on snout in males,absent or feeble in females. Interorbit
wider in males than in females. Upper
jaw extending to slightly beyond anterior margin of pupill of lower eye.
Teeth on upper jaw biserial, those on
lower jaw uniserial. Scales large,slightly ctenoid on eyed side, cycloid
on blind side. Color: eyed side ofbody pale grayish green; all fins irregularly scattered blackish spots;
blind side of body light gray in males,
milky white in females; caudal fin
with a pair of large prominent jetblack blotches. Size: maximum SL
about 14 cm. Distribution: only fromsouthern Japan, West Pacific. Remarks: found from sandy-muddy
bottoms from 20 to 40 m.
(H. Imamura)Engyprosopon multisquama, KAUM–I. 23826, 6.5 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 25 Sept. 2009

Grammatobothus polyophthalmus(Bleeker, 1865)
Manyeyed Flounder
D 77–86; A 61–71; P1 14–17 (eyedside); LL 75–77. Body oval. Head
3.5–4.0 in SL; upper profile of headwith a deep notch anterior to interorbital region. Upper jaw reaching to orslightly beyond below anterior portionof lower eye. Teeth on both jaws uniserial. 2nd to 10th dorsal fin rays elongate in both sexes, longer in males
than females. Pectoral fin elongate inmales. Lateral line on both sides ofbody. Scales on eyed side ctenoid,
those on blind side cycloid. Color:
eyed side pale brownish, with 3 large
and prominent dark ocelli, 1 eachabove and below pectoral fin, 1 on
middle of strait section of lateral line.
Size: maximum total length about 21
cm, most specimens about 17cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, including India, Ryukyu Islands, Philippinesand northwestern Australia. Remarks:
inhabits on mud, sand and rubble bottoms at depths of 0–90 m.
(H. Imamura)

Grammatobothus polyophthalmus, KAUM–I. 32823, 12.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010

216

SAMARIDAE

Crested Flounders
Marine flatfishes, maximum size
smaller than 22 cm. Body elliptical tosomewhat oval, strongly compressed.
Mouth small, reaching t almost anterior margin of upper eye. Eyes on rightside of head. Margin of preopercle
distinct, not covered with skin. Dorsal
fin origin anterior to anterior marginof upper eye. Anterior rays of dorsal
and anal fins not spinous. Pectoral fin
present on eyed side but absent on
blind side. Pelvic fins symmetrical,
without spines. Caudal fin separated
from dorsal and anal fins. Lateral line
well developed or rudimental. Color:
eyed side of body brownish, usuallywith spots, blotches, or rings; blindside of body whitish.
Remarks: known from tropicaland subtropical regions in Indo-Pacific, primarily deeper waters. Three
genera, Plagiopsetta, Samaris andSamariscus, with about 20 species.
Similar family occurring in thearea: Psettodidae – dorsal fin origin

dorsal and anal
fins not attached
to caudal fineyes on right side

body flat and somewhat elongate

pelvic fin bases asymmetricalwell posterior to upper eye; anteriorrays of dorsal and anal fin spinous;
pelvic fin with one spine; lateral line
slightly curved above pectoral fin.
Citharidae – pelvic fin with one spine.
Paralichthyidae – eyes on left side ofhead, pelvic fin bases on both sides

short, subequal and subsymmetricalin position. Bothidae – eyes on left
side of head. Soleidae – preopercle
without free margin. Cynoglossidae –eyes on left side of head; preopercle
without free margin; pectoral fins absent.
(H. Imamura)

Samaris cristatus
Gray, 1831
Cockatoo Righteye Founder
D 71–85; A 49–60; P1 4 (eyed side);
LL 60–80. Body elliptical. Head 3.8–
5.3 in SL; upper profile of head with aslight notch anterior to upper eye.
Mouth small; upper jaw extending to
below anterior portion of lower eye.
Both jaws with small villiform teeth inband. Anterior 12 or 13 rays greatly
elongate and filamentous. Pectoral fin
on eyed side somewhat elongate. Pelvic fin on eyed side continuous withanal fin by membrane. Lateral line
present only on eyed side. Scales oneyed side ctenoid, those on blind side
feebly ctenoid or cycloid. Color: eyed
Samaris cristatus, KAUM–I. 33219, 13.2 cm SL
side pale brownish, with a series ofoff Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010
obscure dark blotches along dorsal
and ventral margins of body; blind Caledonia, north to Japan and south toside whitish. Size: maximum length northern Australia. Remarks: found
22 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pa- from mud and sand bottoms.
(H. Imamura)cific, from southeastern Africa to New

217

SOLEIDAE
Soles

Marine flatfishes (excepting one
species entering rivers in Africa),
reaching to 32 cm. Body somewhat
elongate to oval, strongly compressed. Mouth small and asymmetrical, terminal or slightly inferior.
Eyes on right side of head. Preopercle without free margin, embedded
in skin. Dorsal fin origin anterior toupper eye. Anterior rays of dorsal
and anal fins not spinous. Pectoral
fins sometimes absent; when present,
eyed side pectoral fin usually longer
than blind side pectoral fin. Pelvic
fins without spines, sometimes asymmetrical, either free or fused withanal fin. Caudal fin separated from or
fused with dorsal and anal fins. Lateral line single, running straight on
body, sometimes branched on head.
Color: highly variable according tosubstratum, uniformly dull brownto strikingly colored with scattered
black spots or blotches or dark crossbands on eyed side of body; usually

dorsal fin extending
far forward on headeyes onright side
lateral line single, straight

uniformly yellowish or white on blindside of body.
Similar family occurring in thearea: Soleidae differs from all otherflatfish families, except for Cynoglossidae, in lacking free preoperclar
margin. Psettodidae – dorsal fin origin
well posterior to upper eye; anteriorrays of dorsal and anal fin spinous;
pelvic fin with one spine; lateral line

slightly curved above pectoral fin.
Citharidae – pelvic fin with one
spine. Paralichthyidae, Bothidae and
Cynoglossidae – eyes on left side ofhead.
Remarks: inhabits muddy andsandy bottom in coastal areas. About
35 genera with about 130 species.
(H. Imamura)

Aseraggodes filiger
Weber, 1913
D 73; A 50; P2 4 (eyed side); LL ca.
76. Body elliptical. Head 4.3 in SL.
Mouth small, curved. Snout blunt.
Eyes attached with each other. First
dorsal fin ray somewhat elongate.
Pectoral fins absent. Pelvic fin separated from anal fin. Caudal fin separated from dorsal and anal fins. Color:
eyed side pale brown, with several
dark botches including many paler
small spots; blind side uniformly
white, without blotches or spots. Size:attains 11 cm. Distribution: known
only from Gulf of Thailand, Indonesia
and Philippines, West Pacific.
(H. Imamura)

Aseraggodes filiger, KAUM–I. 32788, 7.6 cm SL
Ang Sila, 23 Oct. 2010

218

Aseraggodes kobensis(Steindachner, 1896)
D 64–74; A 45–55; C 17–19; LL
53–71. Body elliptical. Eyes small,close together. Anterior nasal tube
short, not reaching anterior rim oflower eye, when tube depressed posteriorly. Mouth small, slightly curved.
Pectoral fins absent on both sides. Pelvic fin separated from anal fin. Caudal
fin separated from dorsal and anal
fins. Color: eyed side uniformly pale
brown; blind side uniformly paler,somewhat dusky. Size: attains 10 cm
SL. Distribution: West Pacific, fromsouthern Japan to South China Sea.
(H. Imamura)

Aseraggodes kobensis, KAUM–I. 33227, 7.3 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 30 Nov. 2010

Brachirus panoides(Bleeker, 1851)
D 82; A 63; LL 90–100. Body rather
deep. Mouth small, slightly curved.
Eyes narrowly separated. Pectoral fins
rudimentary. Pelvic fin separated fromanal fin. Caudal fin continuous withdorsal and anal fins. Scales ctenoid on
eyed side. Color: body of eyed sidebrown, with several vertical lines
formed by small blackish dots; dorsal
and ventral margins of body, and dorsal and anal fins on eyed side with numerous small dark spots; body ofblind side white. Size: attains 20 cm.
Distribution: known only from Thailand and Indonesia, West Pacific. Remarks: found along bottom in estuaries and in lower causes of rivers.
(H. Imamura)

Brachirus panoides, KAUM–I. 33187, 13.9 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 26 Nov. 2010

219

Liachirus melanospilos(Bleeker, 1854)
Darkspotted Sole
D 59–62; A 42–47; LL 57–65. Body
oval, 2.1–2.4 in SL. Head 3.9–4.2 in
SL. Mouth small, slightly curved.
Eyes separated by a scaly interorbital
space. Pectoral fins absent. Pelvic fin
separated from anal fin. Caudal fin
separated from dorsal and anal fins.
Scales on both sides small cycloid.
Color: eyed side light to dark brownwith scattered darker dots and blotches; blind side pale. Size: attaining to
7.5 cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West
Pacific, including South China Sea,
southern Japan and Australia. Remarks: inhabits on mud and sand bottoms around 100 m depth.
(H. Imamura)

Liachirus melanospilos, KAUM–I. 47702, 9.0 cm SL
Rayong, 11 July 2012

Pardachirus pavoninus(Lacepède, 1802)
Peacock Sole
D 66–70; A 50–53; LL 75–82. Body
oval. Mouth strongly curved, cleftreaching to anterior margin of lower
eye. Eyes separated by a scaly interorbital space. Pectoral fins absent. Pelvic fin separated from anal fin. Caudal
fin separated from dorsal and anal
fins. Lateral line distinct, straight, single. Series of toxin glands with pores
along bases of dorsal and anal fin rays.
Color: eyed side reddish brown,densely spotted on head, body andfins; spots in various sizes and shapes,
bordered by a dark rim and some witha blackish spot in center. Size: maximum total length about 22 cm, commonly 10–15 cm. Distribution: widespread tropical Indo-West Pacific,
including southern Japan, Philippines
and Australia. Remarks: inhabits on
sandy bottoms of coral reef areas, at
depths of about 40 m. (H. Imamura)

Pardachirus pavoninus, KAUM–I. 32877, 19.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 27 Oct. 2010

Solea ovata
Richardson, 1846
Ovate Sole

D 65; A 47. Body ovate. Mouth
small, curved. Eyes separated by asmall concave interorbital space. Pectoral fin on eyed side about twice aslong as that on blind side. Pelvic finspresent on both sides. Caudal fin separated from dorsal and anal fins. Scales
ctenoid on both sides. Color: bodyand fins on eyed side olive or brown

Solea ovata, KAUM–I. 23207, 7.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 8 Sept. 2009

with spots and black blotches; deep
black blotches on outer two-thirds ofpectoral fins. Size: maximum total
length about 10 cm, commonly 8–9
cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific,

including Pakistan, New Guinea, Gulfof Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines
and China. Remarks: found fromshallow sand or mud bottoms in coastal waters.
(H. Imamura)

220

Synaptura commersonii(Lacepède, 1802)
Commerson’s Sole
D 70–83; A 59–65; C 12; LL 124–
172. Body elongate, tapering posteriorly. Mouth curved. Eyes separated bya small concave interorbital space.
Pectoral fins symmetrical in size. Pelvic fins short and bases asymmetricalin position. Caudal fin continuouswith dorsal and anal fins. Scales ctenoid on eyed side, cycloid on blindside. Color: body on eyed side gray or
brown; dorsal, anal and caudal finsdusky towards edges of both sides andwith a conspicuous white margin;
right pectoral fin dusky. Size: maximum total length about 32 cm, commonly 20–30 cm. Distribution: IndoWest Pacific, including Pakistan, Gulfof Thailand, Borneo and Indonesia.
Remarks: inhabits mainly sand or
mud bottoms in coastal waters.
(H. Imamura)

Synaptura commersonii, KAUM–I. 33012, 22.0 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Nov. 2010

Zebrias quagga(Kaup, 1858)
Zebra Sole
D 60–75; A 50–62. Body elliptical.
Mouth small, terminal, slightly
curved. Eyes contiguous, each with ashort tentacle. Pectoral fins well developed. Pelvic fin separated fromanal fin. Caudal fin continuous withdorsal and anal fins. Scales ctenoid.
Color: eyed side cream or beige with
11–12 brown single or double crossbands, slightly wider than interspaces;
body pattern continued onto dorsal
and anal fins; caudal fin cream withelongate black blotches. Size: maximum length 15 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, including Red Sea,
Persian Gulf, Malaysia, Thailand,
China and Australia. Remarks: foundfrom mud and sand bottoms in shallow coastal waters.
(H. Imamura)

Zebrias quqgga, KAUM–I. 47762, 10.2 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 21 July 2012

221

CYNOGLOSSIDAE
Tonguesoles

Marine flatfishes (some species
entering freshwater), reaching to 40
cm. Body tongue shaped, strongly
compressed. Mouth small, subterminal and asymmetrical, reaching
posteriorly below lower eye. Eyeson left side of head. Posterior margin of preopercle strongly attached toopercle, without free margin and embedded in skin. Dorsal fin reaching
far forward on head. Anterior rays of
dorsal and anal fins not spinous. Pectoral fins absent. Usually only pelvic
fin on blind side present. Caudal fin
separated fused with dorsal and anal
fins. Scales small, ctenoid or cycloid.
Color: variable even in a species,
usually brownish or grayish, often
variably marked with spots, blotches
or cross bands on eyed side of body;usually uniformly yellowish or whitish on blind side of body.
Remarks: commonly found on
muddy bottoms and other substrates,from tide pools to deep waters oneyes onleft side

dorsal and anal fins
joined with caudal fin

body flat and oblongno spines in all finscontinental shelves and slopes. Marketed fish. Includes 3 genera andabout 130 species.
Similar family occurring in thearea: Cynoglossidae differs from allother flatfish families in this area, except for Soleidae, in having caudal fin
fused with dorsal and anal fins, andlacking free preoperclar margin. It isalso separable from most flatfishes

in lacking pectoral fins. Psettodidae– dorsal fin origin well posterior toupper eye; anterior rays of dorsal
and anal fin spinous; pelvic fin with
one spine; lateral line slightly curved
above pectoral fin. Citharidae – pelvic fin with one spine. Samaridae andSoleidae – eyes on right side of head.
(K. Matsuura)

Cynoglossus arel
(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Largescale Tonguesole
D 116–130; A 85–98; P2 4; LL 56–70(midlateral line); V 50–57. Body elongate, strongly compressed. Snoutlong, obtusely pointed. Mouth small,reaching to or beyond posterior margin of lower eye. Both eyes on left
side of head; interorbital space narrow
with scales. Caudal fin usually with 10
rays. Scales large, ctenoid on eyedside, cycloid on eyeless side. Two lateral lines on eyed side of body; upper
one along dorsal-fin base, lower one
midlaterally on body; none on eyelessside. Color: eyed side of body almost
uniformly brownish; eyeless side ofbody whitish. Size: maximum length
40 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, from Red Sea to Indonesia excluding New Guinea, north to southern Japan. Remarks: inhabits sandy
and muddy bottoms. Marketed freshor dried.
(S. Kimura)

Cynoglossus arel, KAUM–I. 23049, 15.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 3 Sept. 2009

222

Cynoglossus bilineatus(Lacepède, 1802)
Fourlined Tonguesole
D 107–113; A 80–88; C usually 12;
LL 88–96 (midlateal line). Body elongate, 3.5–4.5 in SL. Mouth moderate,
extending beyond lower eye. Eyes
small, slightly larger than interorbital
space. Two lateral lines on each sideof body; upper one along dorsal finbase, lower one midlaterally on body.
Scales ctenoid on eyed side and cycloid on blind side. Color: eyed sideof body pale brown; blind side of bodywhitish. Size: maximum length 40 cm.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, from
Persian Gulf to New Guinea, north tosouthern Japan, south to Australia. Remarks: inhabits sandy and muddy
bottoms at depths of 13 to ca. 400 m.
(H. Imamura)

Cynoglossus bilineatus, KAUM–I. 32754, 10.5 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 23 Oct. 2010

Cynoglossus cynoglossus(Hamilton, 1822)
Bengal Tonguesole
D 94–104; A 72–79; C 10; LL 70–80.
Body elongate, strongly compressed.
Snout rounded; rostral hook short.
Two lateral lines on eyed side of body,none on blind side. Scales on bothsides of body ctenoid. Color: eyedside of body uniformly brown-gray,with indistinct dark markings. Size:maximum 20 cm, commonly to 15 cm.
Distribution: tropical Indo-West Pacific from Pakistan eastward to Indonesia, northward to the Philippines;
not found in New Guinea or northern
Australia. Remarks: found on muddy
and sandy bottoms in shallow waters,
including estuaries and brackish waters; marketed fresh or frozen, also
dried-salted.
(K. Matsuura)

Cynoglossus cynoglossus, KAUM–I. 22897, 9.3 cm SL
Ang Sila, 31 Aug. 2009

223

Cynoglossus lingua
Hamilton, 1822
Long Tonguesole
D 126–138; A 97–114; C usually 10;
LL 90–101 (midlateal line). Body very
elongate, 4.5–5.9 in SL. Mouth moderate, extending well beyond posterior
margin of lower eye. Eyes separated
by narrow interorbital space. Two lateral lines present on eyed side of body;
upper one along dorsal fin base, lower
one midlaterally on body. Lateral lines
absent on blind side of body. Scales
comparatively large, ctenoid on eyedside and cycloid on blind side. Color:
eyed side of body reddish brown,
sometimes with irregular brown-black

Cynoglossus lingua, KAUM–I. 33092, 25.0 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 13 Nov. 2010

patches, with a large black blotch on
opercular region. Size: maximum total length about 40 cm. Distribution:
Indo-West Pacific, including Red Sea,
Gulf of Thailand, Philippines and In-

donesia. Remarks: inhabits mainly
shallow sandy and muddy bottoms on
inner continental shelf, often entering
estuaries.
(H. Imamura)

Cynoglossus puncticeps(Richardson, 1846)
Speckled Tonguesole
D 90–100; A 72–78; C 10 (usually);
LL 78–99 (midlateal line). Body elongate. Angle of jaws not reaching posteriorly beyond vertical through posterior margin of lower eye. Eyes with anarrow interorbital space. Two laterallines present on eyed side of body; upper one along dorsal fin base, lower
one midlaterally on body. Lateral lines
absent on blind side of body. Scales
ctenoid on both sides of body. Color:
eyed side of body yellow brown, withvery distinct irregular dark brown
blotches, often forming irregular crossbands. Size: maximum total length
about 18 cm, commonly 8–10 cm.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, including Gulf of Thailand, Australia,
New Guinea, Philippines and Taiwan.
(H. Imamura)

Paraplagusia blochii(Bleeker, 1851)
Bloch's Tonguesole
D 99–105; A 76–82; C 8; LL 75–83(midlateal line). Body elongate, 3.6–
3.8 in SL. Mouth extending to below
posterior margin of lower eye. Eyes
small, separated by a scaly interorbital
space about equal to eye diameter.

Cynoglossus puncticeps, KAUM–I. 33098, 11.3 cm SL
Prachuap Khiri Khan, 13 Nov. 2010

Paraplagusia blochii, KAUM–I. 23387, 9.9 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 22 Sept. 2009

Two lateral lines present on eyed sideof body; lateral lines absent on blindside of body. Scales ctenoid on eyedside and weakly ctenoid on blind side.
Color: eyed side of body brown; scalecenters paler than edges. Size: maximum length 22 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, including Oman, India, Indonesia and Philippines.
(H. Imamura)

224

TRIACANTHIDAE
Triplespines

Small fishes less than 30 cm,
with moderately elongate, strongly
compressed body covered by moderately thick skin with numerous
minute scales. Mouth small andterminal; teeth in an outer series ofabout 10 heavy incisors in each jaw,
internally to which are several molariform teeth, usually 4 in upper
jaw and 2 in lower jaw. Gill opening a moderately short vertical slit infront of pectoral-fin base. Dorsal fin
spine VI (usually only V visible, thesixth rudimentary), dorsal-fin rays
20 to 26; caudal fin deeply forked;
pelvic fins with I large spine and novisible rays; most dorsal-, anal, andpectoral-fin rays branched. Caudal
peduncle distinctly tapering to a narrow transversely indented region justin front of caudal-fin base, where thepeduncle is wider than deep. Lateralline inconspicuous. Color: generally

V visible spines
20–26 fin rays

caudal fin
deeply forked

pelvic fin withno visible rays

silvery, with upper half of body dusky,
with or without darker blotches.
Remarks: benthic, occurring usually on flat, sandy or weed-covered
bottoms. Feed on bottom invertebrates. Marketed but not commercially important.
Similar families occurring in thearea: Triacanthodidae – caudal fin
not deeply forked, rounded to almost truncate; caudal peduncle notdistinctly tapered, deeper than wide;
dorsal-fin rays 12 to 18 (20 to 26 in
Triacanthidae).
(K. Matsuura)

Pseudotriacanthus strigilifer(Cantor, 1849)
Long-spined Tripodfish
D XI + 20−24; A 13−17; P1 12−15.
Pelvis distinctly tapered posteriorly.
Second dorsal spine more than half offirst dorsal spine. Color: Body silvery
gray with several golden bronze
blotches; membrane between first andsecond dorsal spines pale but black
distally; second dorsal, anal, pectoraland caudal fins pale. Size: maximum
25 cm. Distribution: widely distributed in tropical Indo-West Pacificfrom Gulf of Oman eastward to Indonesia. Remarks: occurring in sandy
and muddy bottom at depths of 10−60m.
(K. Matsuura)
Pseudotriacanthus strigilifer, KAUM–I. 23862, 13.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 26 Sept. 2009

225

Triacanthus biaculeatus(Bloch, 1786)
Shortnosed Tripodfish
D VI + 21–26; A 17–22; P1 12–16.
Pelvis not distinctly tapered to a point
posteriorly. Doral profile of head fromfirst dorsal-fin spine to above eyeslightly convex. Color: dorsal half ofbody silvery light brown, ventral halfsilvery white; a large black blotch beneath spiny dorsal-fin base which continues over most spiny dorsal-fin
membrane; soft dorsal and anal fins
pale; pectoral and caudal fins yellow.
Size: maximum length 30 cm. Distribution: widespread in Indo-West Pacific, from Persian Gulf eastward
through Bay of Bengal to eastern Australia, northward to southern Japan.
Remarks: coastal and estuarine waters, on sandy or muddy flat; feeds onbenthic invertebrates. (K. Matsuura)

Tripodichthys blochi(Bleeker, 1852)
Longtail Tripodfish
D VI + 20−24; A 15−19; P1 13−15.
Scale covered ventral surface of pelvis
distinctly tapered to a point posteriorly. Second dorsal spine much less thanhalf the length of first dorsal spine.
Pelvis between bases of pelvic spines
narrow (1.4−3.0% SL), the width 7.2−
12.4 (usually about 9 or 10) times inlength of pelvis. Dorsal rays modally
22 and anal rays modally 17. Color:dorsal half of body silvery light brown,
ventral half silvery white; several irregular dark yellow markings on sideof body; spiny dorsal fin membrane
pale; basal part of spiny dorsal fin yellowish orange; soft dorsal, anal andpectoral fins pale; caudal fin light yellow. Size: 15 cm. Distribution:
known from China and countries inSoutheast Asia, a stray found fromsouthern Japan. Remarks: coastal andestuarine shallow waters at depths of
0−40 m; usually found on sandy or
muddy flat; feeds on benthic invertebr
ates.
(K. Matsuura)

Triacanthus biaculeatus, KAUM–I. 32906, 14.2 cm SL
Bang Pakong, 30 Oct. 2010

Tripodichthys blochi, KAUM–I. 33127, 8.2 cm SL
Bang Sean, 19 Nov. 2010

226

BALISTIDAE
Triggerfishes

Small or medium-sized fishes,
up to 80 cm in total length, withdeep, moderately compressed bodyencased with very thick, tough skinwith large scale plates easily discernible as individual units, scales above
pectoral-fin base in many species enlarged, forming a flexible tympanum.
Gill opening a relatively short vertical to oblique slit in front of pectoralfin base; mouth small and usuallymore or less terminal; teeth heavy, 8
in outer series of upper jaw and lower jaw. Three dorsal-fin spines, thesecond spine more than one half ofthe length of the first; the first spine
capable being locked in an uprightposition of erection by the second;most dorsal, anal and pectoral-fin
rays branched; pelvic fins and spines
rudimentary, represented by a seriesof 4 pairs of enlarged scales encasing
the end of pelvis. Lateral line inconspicuous. Color: variable and many
species having bright color markings

III dorsal-fin spines

scales plate-likesingle pelvic fin

on head and body.
Remarks: most species benthic,
occurring in coral and rocky reefs
from the coastline to a depth of 100m; some species (e.g. Canthidermis)
pelagic in open water. Feed on bottom
invertebrates, but also zooplankton(e.g. Melichthys indicus and Odonus
niger). High valued as food in many
handline fisheries.

Similar families occurring in
the area: Monacanthidae – two
dorsal-fin spines, only the first ofwhich is long and prominent; bodymore laterally compressed; fewer
and less massive teeth in jaws; scales
shagreen-like, with individual basal
plates small and not readily distinguishable from one another to theunaided eye.
(K. Matsuura)

Abalistes stellatus(Anonymous, 1798)
Starry Triggerfish
D III + 26−27; A 24−26; P1 14−15(usually 14). Scales enlarged above
pectoral-fin base and just behind gill
opening to form a flexible tympanum.
A groove in front of eye. Mouth terminal. Caudal peduncle depressed, wider
than deep. Color: grayish brown toolivaceous on back, with small pale
blue or yellow spots dorsally and large
yellow spots ventrally; 3 large white
blotches on back, disappearing inlarge specimens. Size: 60 cm. Distribution: widespread in Indo-West Pacific, from East Africa to northern
Australia, north to southern Japan. Remarks: occurring on sand, sponge,
and weed bottoms to depths of 100 m.
Similar to Abalistes filamentosus Matsuura & Yoshino, 2004 but distinguished by lacking produced caudal
fin rays. Feeds on marine invertebrates.
(K. Matsuura)

Abalistes stellatus, KAUM–I. 23441, 10.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009

227

MONACANTHIDAE
Filefishes

Small or medium-sized fishes,
usually less than 20 cm (but up to 50
cm for some species of Aluterus), withdeep, highly compressed body covered by thin but rough or shagreenlike skin with minute scales not individually easily discernible to theunaided eye. Mouth small and usually more or less terminal or slightly
supraterminal; teeth only moderately
heavy, 6 in an outer series in upper
jaw and 6 or fewer in the lower. Gill
opening a relatively short, vertical to
oblique slit in front of pectoral-finbase. Two (sometimes 1) dorsal−finspines, second spine not more than
1/3 the length of first; first spine usually capable of being locked in an
upright position of erection by thesecond; dorsal-, anal- and pectoralfin rays unbranched; pelvic fin andspines rudimentary or absent, represented by a series of 3 or fewer pairsof enlarged scales encasing end of
pelvis, or segments of indeterminate
number, or entirely absent. Scales

II dorsal-fin spines(2nd hidden in skin)scales small, shagreen-likesingle pelvic fin

above pectoral-fin base unmodified,
not forming a tympanum. Lateral line
inconspicuous or only slightly apparent. Color: variable, drab brown, gray,or greenish, but often with strikingly
marked and vivid patterns.
Remarks: found in shallow coraland rocky reefs, seagrass beds, andsandy-muddy bottoms in depths of
10 to over 200 m. Feed on coral polyps, epiphytes attached to seagrass, orother marine invertebrates. Marketed
fresh.
Similar families occurring in
the area: Balistidae – III spines infirst dorsal fin; skin tough but not
shagreen-like, individual scales distinct, usually forming prominent,
oblique rows. Triacanthidae – VIspines (usually only V spines visible) in first dorsal fin; pair of strong
pelvic-fin spines.
(K. Matsuura)

Aluterus monoceros(Linnaeus, 1758)
Unicorn Leatherjacket
D II + 45−51; A 47−53; P1 14−15.
Body elongate, strongly compressed.
Dorsal profile of head slightly convex.
Gill opening short oblique slit below
eye extending antero-ventrally beyond
anterior margin of eye. Dorsal spine
above eye, very long and fragile; broken frequently in collected specimens.
Soft part of dorsal fin opposite to analfin. Caudal fin shorter than snout. ColAluterus monoceros, KAUM–I. 32814, 14.5 cm SL
or: body grayish with many irregular
Gulf of Thailand (SP), 25 Oct. 2010
dark lines and dots; dorsal-, anal- andpectoral-fin rays yellow; caudal fin
dark. Size: 76 cm. Distribution: circum tropical; in West Pacific known northward to the Ryukyu Islands. Refrom west coast of peninsular Malay- marks: forming large schools in
sia eastward to the Solomon Islands, coastal waters.
(K. Matsuura)

228

Anacanthus barbatus
Gray, 1830
Bearded Leatherjacket
D II + 48−50; A 58−62; P1 8−10;
Vertebrae 7 + 23−24 = 30−31. Body
extremely elongate, depth at anal-fin
origin 8.3-10 in SL. A well-developed
barbell on chin, its length longer thanpectoral-fin length. First dorsal spine
short and feeble, originating over posterior part of eye. Bases of second dorsal and anal fins long. Caudal fin
greatly elongate, its length 1.5−2.2 in
SL. Color: body brown with whitish

Anacanthus barbatus, KAUM–I. 47383, 18.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 13 June 2012

stripe along dorsal edge of body frommouth to caudal-fin base; dark brown
stripe from snout to posterior part ofbody; ventral half of head and bodywhitish yellow covered with brown
reticulations; chin barbell blackish
brown; caudal fin dark brown. Size:maximum 30 cm. Distribution: widely distributed in tropical Indo-West
Pacific from India eastward to northern Australia. Remarks: occurring on
muddy bottom at depths 2−20 m.
(K. Matsuura)

Chaetodermis penicilligerus(Cuvier, 1816)
Prickly Leatherjacket
D II + 25−26; A 23−24; P1 12−13.
Body deep; dorsal profile of head ascending from mouth to dorsal spine.
Body covered with many fleshy filaments. Pelvic terminus prominent,
composed of 3 segments of encasing
scales, movable dorso-ventrally.
Scales on body relatively large with abackwardly curved spine. Dorsal
spine with many fleshy filaments, located above gill opening. Caudal fin
rhomboidal. Color: light brown withmany longitudinal black lines on sideof body; fin rays of dorsal, anal andcaudal fins with many black spots.
Size: 31 cm. Distribution: tropicaleastern Indian Ocean and West Pacificfrom west coast of Malaysia eastward
to northern Australia, northward to
southern Japan. Remarks: collectedfrom rocky reefs and sandy-muddy
bottom, usually from depths shallower
than 200 m; feeds on marine invertebr
ates.
(K. Matsuura)

Chaetodermis penicilligerus, KAUM–I. 33148, 16.9 cm SL
off Chantha Buri (SP), 22 Nov. 2010

Monacanthus chinensis(Osbeck, 1765)
Fanbellied Leatherjacket
D II + 28−30; A 27−30; P1 12. Body
deep; dorsal profile of head concave,ascending from mouth through eye tosoft dorsal fin. Pelvic terminus prominent, composed of 3 segments of encasing scales, movable dorso-ventrally; ventral flap very large. Upper
caudal fin rays produced into a filaMonacanthus chinensis, KAUM–I. 32940, 14.1 cm SL
Ang Sila, 30 Oct. 2010
ment. Color: body light brown withmany irregular dark brown blotches.
Size: 38 cm. Distribution: west coast Pacific from Thailand eastward to sea grass bed and rocky reefs in shalof Malay Peninsula and tropical West New Guinea. Remarks: occurring in low waters.
(K. Matsuura)229

Paramonacanthus choirocephalus(Bleeker, 1852)
Pig Faced Leatherjacket
D II + 27−31; A 28−32; P1 11−13(usually 12). Body relatively elongate,strongly compressed. Body depth atanal-fin origin 1.7−3.0 in SL. Dorsal
profile of snout slightly convex or
straight in male, concave or straight infemale and juvenile. Encasing scalesof pelvic fin movable. Caudal fin convex; second uppermost ray elongate
and filamentous in male. Color: body
pale yellowish or light brownish withdark brown blotches; dark brown circular to elliptical blotch on midside ofbody, bisected diagonally by posterior
abdominal branch of lateral line: second dorsal, anal and pectoral fins pale;caudal fin pale with two broad, curved,
transverse bands. Size: maximum 12
cm. Distribution: Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Australia and New
Guinea. Remarks: found in shallow
waters on flat sandy and silty bottom.
(K. Matsuura)Paramonacanthus choirocephalus, KAUM–I. 32935, 8.2 cm SL
Ang Sila, 30 Oct. 2010

Pseudomonacanthus macrurus(Bleeker, 1856)
Strap-weed Filefish
D II + 29−30; A 27−30; P1 11−12.
Body relatively elongate, strongly
compressed. Body depth at anal-fin
origin 2.5−2.8 in SL. Dorsal profile ofsnout slightly concave. Encasing
scales of pelvic fin immovable. Caudal fin rounded, its length 3.1 in SL.
First dorsal spine originating over posterior half of eye. Color: body yellowish brown with many black or darkbrown spots; caudal fin with 2 transverse dark brown bands; second dorsal, anal and pectoral fins pale. Size:maximum 23 cm. Distribution: seasin SE Asia northward to southern Japan. Remarks: color highly variable
depending on surroundings; occurring
on reef flats, lagoons and seagrasses.
(K. Matsuura)

Thamnaconus hypargyreus(Cope, 1871)
Lesser-spotted Leatherjacket
D II + 32−36; A 32−33; P1 13−14.
Body elliptical, strongly compressed.
Dorsal profile of snout slightly convex. Encasing scales of pelvic fin immovable. Caudal fin rounded. First
dorsal spine originating over posterior

Pseudomonacanthus macrurus, KAUM–I. 47471, 17.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 20 June 2012

Thamnaconus hypargyreus, KAUM–I. 23169, 10.8 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 6 Sept. 2009

half of eye. Color: body light brownwith many rounded yellowish brown
blotches; caudal fin light yellow withdark posterior margin; second dorsal,
anal and pectoral fins yellow. Size:maximum 25 cm. Distribution: warm
waters in West Pacific from central Ja-

pan southward through South China
Sea to northern Australia. Remarks:
usually found depths shallower than
90 m but occasionally occurring deeper than 200 m.This species is recorded
for the first time from the Gulf ofThailand.
(K. Matsuura)

230

OSTRACIIDAE
Boxfishes

Small to medium-sized fishes,
never more than 45 cm, with wide
body nearly completely enclosed ina carapace or cuirass formed of enlarged, thickened scale plates, usually hexagonal in shape and firmly
sutured to one another (less so on
cheek to allow for breathing movements). The carapace has openings
for the mouth, eyes, gill slits, andfins, and for the flexible caudal peduncle; it is either triangular (flat onbottom and sharp-crested above) or
rectangular in shape, although sometimes relatively pentangular. Mouth
small, terminal, with fleshy lips;
teeth moderate, conical, usually lessthan 15 in each jaw. Gill openings
relatively short, vertical to obliqueslits in front of pectoral-fin bases.
Spiny dorsal fin absent; most dorsal-,anal- and pectoral-fin rays branched;pelvic fins absent. Scale-plates oftenwith surface granulations and sometimes prolonged into prominent carapace spines around eye or along thecarapaceno plates

8 branched rays

ventrolateral or dorsal surfaces of thebody; scales above pectoral-fin baselike the scales of rest of body. Lateralline inconspicuous. Color: variable,with general ground colors ranging
from gray to bluish and greenish or,
to yellowish and brown, usually withdarker or lighter lines, bars, spots, or
reticulations. Remarks: occurringon rocky and coral reefs and oversand, weed, or sponge-covered bottoms to depths of 100 m. Secretinga substance when distressed that is
highly toxic, both to other fishes andthemselves in enclosed areas such as
aquarium tanks. Similar families occurring in the area: No other fishes
enclosed in a bony shell.
(K. Matsuura)

Lactoria cornuta(Linnaeus, 1758)
Longhorn Cowfish
D 8–9; A 9; P1 10–11. A pair of sharp,
strong horns about twice eye diameterin length projecting anteriorly fromfront of head. A second pair of horns
extending posteriorly from posteroventral corner of carapace. Caudal fin
greatly elongate, one half to two-thirdsof carapace length. Color: body yellowish brown with light blue spots onsides; dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins
pale; caudal fin yellowish with light
blue spots. Size: maximum 50 cm,
commonly to 30 cm. Distribution:
widely distributed in tropical IndoWest Pacific from East Africa eastward to Marquesas Islands, north tosouthern Japan. Remarks: occurringin weedy areas near rocks or reefs.
(K. Matsuura)

Lactoria cornuta, KAUM–I. 23448, 15.6 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 24 Sept. 2009

231

TETRAODONTIDAE
Puffers

Small to moderate-sized fishes,
most species less than 30 cm, witha heavy blunt body capable of rapid
inflation by intake of water (or air).
Head large and blunt; jaws modified
to form a beak of 4 heavy, powerful teeth, 2 above and 2 below. Gill
openings without distinct opercular
cover, appearing as simple slits anterior to the pectoral fin; eyes locatedhigh on head. Dorsal and anal finslocated far posteriorly bearing nospines, but 7 to 15 soft rays; caudal fin usually truncate to slightly
rounded; pelvic fins absent. Typicalscales absent, but most species are
partially covered with tiny prickles
or spinules, and many species havesmall fleshy tabs or lappets on thedorsal and/or lateral surfaces. Color:most species are mottled, variegated,or barred on the upper and lateralsurfaces, often with spots of various
sizes and colors; ventral surfaces arealmost always unpigmented.
Remarks: occurring in tropicalgill opening
beak

deflated
inflated

pelvic fins absent

and temperate seas, most frequently
in shallow inshore waters, sometimes
entering brackish and fresh waters,
but a few species are pelagic. The viscera, skin, and blood of most species
are poisonous; in some species eventhe flesh is poisonous. Laymen arestrongly recommended not to eat puffers, although connoisseurs like to con-sume puffers in licensed restaurants
in some countries (e.g., Japan).
Similar families occurring in
the area: Diodontidae – head andbody covered with strong elongate
spines; 1 tooth plate in each jaw.
(K. Matsuura)

Chelonodon patoca(Hamilton, 1822)
Milkspotted Puffer
D 10; A 8; P1 15–16. A patch of spinules on back from behind interorbital
nearly to dorsal fin and another onthroat and abdomen. Nasal organ in
the form of a depression with slightly
raised margin expanded before andbehind into a pair of elongate flaps.
Color: greenish-gray to brown onback with large round to ovate whitespots, a broad yellow band runningfrom chin to lower caudal-fin base.
Size: maximum to 20 cm. Distribution: tropical eastern Indian Ocean
including India and Sri Lanka andWest Pacific from Thailand to French
Polynesia, northward to southern Japan and southward to northern Australia; usually found inshore, frequently
in brackish waters. Remarks: occurring commonly in mangrove areas.
(K. Matsuura)

Chelonodon patoca, KAUM–I. 47350, 8.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 8 June 2012

232

Lagocephalus lunaris(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Rough Golden Puffer
D 12−13; A 11−12; P1 16−17. A
patch of spinules on back reaching todorsal-fin origin; belly covered with
spinules. Nasal organ with 2 openings.
Caudal fin concave.Color: dorsal halfof body grayish light brown, side silvery white, and belly white; caudal fin
white in the ventral lobe and dark yellow in the dorsal lobe. Size: 35 cm.
Distribution: tropical Indo-West Pacific from East Africa to northern Australia; found recently from southern
Japan. Remarks: strongly toxic andfrequently confused with other speciesof Lagocephalus such as L. gloveri
Abe & Takita, 1983 and L. spadiceus(Richardson, 1845).
(K. Matsuura)

Lagocephalus lunaris, KAUM–I. 32896, 12.9 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 27 Oct. 2010

Lagocephalus suezensis
Clark & Gohar, 1953
Suez Puffer
D 10−12; A 9−10; P1 14−16. A patchof spinules on back from between
snout to dorsal-fin origin, belly covered with spinules. Nasal organ with 2
openings. Caudal fin deeply lunate.
Caudal peduncle depressed, wider
than deep. Color: dorsal half of bodylight brown with many irregularly
shaped brown dots and lines, side silvery white and belly white; dorsal,
anal and pectoral fins pale; caudal fin
white in the ventral lobe, yellow in thedorsal lobe. Size: 20 cm. Distribution: topical Indo-West Pacific fromRed Sea to northern Australia, northward to southern Japan. Remarks:
frequently confused with Lagocephalus
sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) but distinguished from it by lacking many small
black spots on back and by having
fewer fin-ray counts (in L. sceleratus,
dorsal-fin rays 12−13, anal-fin rays
10−12, and pectoral-fin rays 16−17).
Probably toxic.
(K. Matsuura)

Takifugu oblongus(Bloch, 1786)

Lagocephalus suezensis, KAUM–I. 33204, 6.9 cm SL
Ang Sila, 26 Nov. 2010

Takifugu oblongus, KAUM–I. 33113, 13.2 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 18 Nov. 2010

trils with 2 openings. Color: bodybrown dorsally, white ventrally; many
Lattice Blaasop
transverse white bands on back from
D 13; A 11; P1 16. Body relatively snout to caudal peduncle. Size: maxielongate covered with spinules. Nos- mum to 40 cm. Distribution: tropicalIndo-West Pacific from East Africa
eastward to Australia, north to southern East China Sea. Remarks: caught
by trawl in shallow waters.
(K. Matsuura)

233

Tetraodon biocellatus
Tirant, 1885
Eyespot Pufferfish
D 13−15; A 11−13; P1 22. Body relatively elongate, elliptical in cross section, covered by many spinules. Color: Dorsal half of body dark brown
covered with many small white spots;
irregular yellow lines and small
blotches on dorsal side of body; ventral half of body white; large black
Tetraodon biocellatus, KAUM–I. 23380, 5.0 cm SL
ocellus on dorsal-fin base edged with
Bang Pakong, 22 Sept. 2009
yellow line; small black ocellus on
caudal-fin base edge with yellow line; Indochina. Remarks: The photo- pakong River where many brackish
all fins pale. Size: maximum 8 cm. graphed specimen was collected from water fishes occurred. (K. Matsuura)
Distribution: Borneo, Malaysia and a fish market near the mouth of Ban-

DIODONTIDAE
Porcupinefishes

Small or medium-sized fishes (upto 100 cm). Body capable of great inflations, covered with strong spines
which may be quite long. Mouth
large, wide, and terminal; teeth fused
to form a strong, beak-like plate
without a median suture dividing left
and right halves. Gill opening a relatively small, vertical slit just in frontof pectoral-fin base. Dorsal and anal
fins without spines, placed far backon body; most fin rays branched;no pelvic fins. Lateral line inconspicuous. No normal scales. Color:background color light tan to brown,
but frequently gray; usually overlain with dark brown to black spots,
bars and/or blotches; belly white,

2 beak-like toothplates on jaws

many long, strong spines on bodyno pelvic fins

frequently with yellow overtone. Remarks: found in shallow coral androcky reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy-muddy bottoms in depths of 10 toover 200 m. Feed on coral polyps, epiphytes attached to seagrass, or othermarine invertebrates. Marketed fresh.

Similar families occurring in
the area: no other families having
the following combination of characters: large spines on body, no pelvic
fins, inflatable body, teeth fused intoa single beak-like plate.
(K. Matsuura)

Cyclichthys orbicularis(Bloch, 1785)
Birdbeak Burrfish
D 11−13; A 10−12; P1 18−21. Body
rounded with many 3 rooted, non-erectile spines; a small movable spine below and behind corner of mouth. Color: head and body brown dorsally,
white ventrally; black spots on backand side; all fins pale. Size: 16 cm.
Distribution: tropical Indo-West Pacific from East Africa eastward to New
Cyclichthys orbicularis, KAUM–I. 32983, 10.8 cm SL
Caledonia, southward to northern Ausoff Chantha Buri (SP), 1 Nov. 2010
tralia, northward to southern Japan.
Remarks: found in coral and rocky ring in depths shallower than 40 m.
reefs and sandy bottom; usually occur(K. Matsuura)

234

Diodon holocanthus
Linnaeus, 1758
Longspined Porcupinefish
D 13–15; A 13–15; P1 20–24. Long
erectile spines on head and body; 12–
16 spines from snout to dorsal-finbase; those on forehead usually longest, none on caudal peduncle. Nasalorgan a short hollow tube with 2 openings near tip. Color: dorsal side ofbody light grayish brown with many
black spots, white ventrally; wide
brown bars or blotches at eye level,
mid-back above pectoral- and dorsalfin bases; fins without spots. Size:maximum 38 cm. Distribution: circumglobal in tropical and warm temperate seas. Remarks: similar to Di-

Diodon holocanthus, KAUM–I. 32862, 13.3 cm SL
Gulf of Thailand (SS), 27 Oct. 2010

odon liturosus Shaw, 1804 but
distinguished from it by no whiteedges around brown bars or blotches
on body.
(K. Matsuura)

235

Scientific Name Index
Abalistes stellatus 226
abbreviata, Acanthocepola 170
Ablennes hians 63
Abudefduf vaigiensis 173
Acanthocepola abbreviata 170
Acanthopagrus pacificus 150
Acanthosphex leurynnis 82
Acentrogobius caninus 189
viridipunctatus 190
Acropoma japonicum 96
Acropomatidae 96
acuminatus, Heniochus 165
acus melanotus, Tylosurus 64
aeolus, Sillago 111
albella, Sardinella 38
alboguttata, Parapercis 179
Alectis ciliaris 114
indicus 115
Alepes djedaba 115
kleinii 115
melanoptera 116
vari 116
Allenbatrachus grunniens 52
reticulatus 53
Aluterus monoceros 227
Ambassidae 93
Ambassis kopsii 93
vachellii 94
amblycephalus, Johnius 155
Anacanthus barbatus 228
Anodontostoma chacunda 36
Antennariidae 54
Antennarius hispidus 54
nummifer 55
Apistidae 76
Apistus carinatus 76
Aploactinidae 82
Apogon cavitensis 105
fasciatus 106
fleurieu 106
gularis 107
nigrocincta 107
pleuron 107
poecilopterus 108
semilineatus 108
smithi 108
striatodes 109
truncatus 109
Apogonichthyoides niger 109
Apogonidae 105
aquilonaris, Polynemus 152
Archamia bleekeri 110
fucata 110
archipelagicus, Hemiramphus 62
Arcygobius baliurus 190
arel, Cynoglossus 221
areolatus, Epinephelus 99
argenteus, Pampus 206
Pomadasys 142
argus, Scatophagus 197
argyropleuron, Plicofollis 45
Ariidae 43
Ariomma indicum 205
Ariommatidae 205
Arius maculatus 43
oetik 44
Arnoglossus aspilos 213
arsius, Pseudorhombus 211

Aseraggodes filiger 217
kobensis 218
Aspericorvina jubata 153
asperrima, Xenaploactis 82
aspilos, Arnoglossus 213
Atelomycterus marmoratus 9
Atherinidae 58
Atherinomorus duodecimalis 58
lacunosus 59
Atropus atropos 116
atropos, Atropus 116
Atule mate 117
Aulopareia unicolor 190
aureus, Glossogobius 191
australiae, Rhynchobatus 13
Auxis thazard 203
Bagridae 46
Bahaba polykladiskos 154
balinensoides, Nemipterus 143
Balistidae 226
baliurus, Arcygobius 190
balteatus, Dipterygonotus 136
barbatus, Anacanthus 228
Batrachoididae 52
Batrachomoeus trispinosus 53
belcheri recurvispinnis, Repomacenus 185
Belonidae 63
biaculeatus, Triacanthus 225
bicolor, Halichoeres 175
bifasciatum, Diploprion 98
bilineatus, Cynoglossus 222
bindus, Photopectoralis 128
biocellatus, Tetraodon 233
bleekeri, Archamia 110
Epinephelus 99
Blennidae 182
blochi, Tripodichthys 225
blochii, Nuchequula 126
Paraplagusia 223
boddarti, Boleophthalmus 191
boenak, Cephalopholis 97
Boesemania microlepis 154
Boleophthalmus boddarti 191
boops, Selar 121
Bothidae 213
Brachirus panoides 218
Brachypleura novaezeelandiae 209
Brachypterois serrulata 77
brachysoma, Rastrelliger 204
Bregmaceros pseudolanceolatus 49
Bregmacerotidae 49
brevilabiata, Narcine 12
Butis butis 187
humeralis 188
koilomatodon 188
butis, Butis 187
caerulaurea, Caesio 135
Caesio caerulaurea 135
cuning 136
Caesionidae 135
calcarifer, Lates 95
caligans, Macrotrema 73
Callionymidae 184
Calliurichthys japonicus 184
canadum, Rachycentron 112
canaliculatus, Siganus 198
cancrivora, Saurenchelys 27
cancrivorus, Pisodonophis 24

caninus, Acentrogobius 189
canius, Plotosus 41
Carangidae 114
Carangoides hedlandensis 117
malabaricus 118
praeustus 118
Caranx sexfasciatus 118
Carapidae 50
Carcharhinidae 10
Carcharhinus sorrah 10
carinatus, Apistus 76
carouna, Johnius 155
cavitensis, Apogon 105
Cephalopholis boenak 97
formosa 98
sonnerati 98
Cepolidae 107
chacunda, Anodontostoma 36
Chaetodermis penicilligerus 228
Chaetodontidae 165
Chanidae 40
Channa lucius 207
striata 207
Channidae 207
Chanos chanos 40
chanos, Chanos 40
chatareus, Toxotes 161
Chelonodon patoca 231
Chiloscyllium punctatum 8
chiltonae, Thysanophrys 92
chinensis, Monacanthus 228
Chirocentridae 35
Chirocentrus dorab 35
choirocephalus, Paramonacanthus 229
Choridactylus multibarbus 83
chrysops, Gerres 138
chrysozona, Pterocaesio 136
Cichlidae 171
ciliaris, Alectis 114
cinerascens, Kyphosus 162
cinereus, Muraenesox 25
Citharidae 209
Clupeidae 36
Cociella punctata 88
cognatus, Uranoscopus 181
Coilia lindmani 30
commerson, Scomberomorus 204
commersonii, Synaptura 220
commersonnianus, Scomberoides 120
Congridae 26
cordyla, Megalaspis 119
cornuta, Lactoria 230
cristatus, Samaris 216
crocatus, Myersina 192
Cryptarius truncatus 44
cuning, Caesio 136
cunnesius, Moolgarda 57
cuvieri, Inimicus 84
Cyclichthys orbicularis 233
Cynoglossidae 221
Cynoglossus arel 221
bilineatus 222
cynoglossus 222
lingua 223
puncticeps 223
cynoglossus, Cynoglossus 222
cyprinoides, Megalops 18
Cypselurus naresii 60

236
poecilopterus 61
Dactyloptena gilberti 74
orientalis 75
Dactylopteridae 74
Dactylopus dactylopus 185
dactylopus, Dactylopus 185
Dasyatidae 14
Dasyatis zugei 14
Decapterus russelli 119
Dendrophysa russelli 154
dentatus,Oxuderces 192
dermopterus, Triso 101
Diagramma picta picta 141
Diodon holocanthus 234
Diodontidae 233
Diploprion bifasciatum 98
Dipterygonotus balteatus 136
djedaba, Alepes 115
dorab, Chirocentrus 35
dorsalis, Gymnothorax 19
Drepane punctata 164
Drepanidae 164
Drombus triangularis 191
dubiosus, Stolephorus 33
duodecimalis, Atherinomorus 58
Dussumieria elopsoides 37
Echeneidae 113
Echeneis naucrates 113
ectenurus, Rhynchoconger 26
Elates ransonnettii 89
Eleotridae 187
Eleutheronema tetradactylum 151
Ellochelon vaigiensis 56
elongatus, Gymnocranius 148
Pseudapocryptes 193
Elopidae 17
Elops hawaiiensis 17
elopsoides, Dussumieria 37
Encheliophis homei 50
Encrasicholina heteroloba 31
punctifer 31
Engraulidae 30
Engyprosopon grandisquama 214
longipelvis 214
multisquama 215
Ephippidae 195
Ephippus orbis 195
Epinephelus areolatus 99
bleekeri 99
heniochus 99
quoyanus 100
sexfasciatus 100
Equulites oblongus 124
stercorarius 125
equulus, Leiognathus 127
erumei, Psettodes 208
erythrourus, Gerres 139
Escualosa thoracata 37
Eubleekeria jonesi 125
evides, Iniistius 176
Exocoetidae 60
fasciatus, Apogon 106
ferox, Omobranchus 182
filamentosa, Parapercis 180
filamentosus, Gerres 139
Repomacenus 186
filifer, Myersina 192
filiger, Aseraggodes 217
Fistularia petimba 72
Fistulariidae 72

fleurieu, Apogon 106
formosa, Cephalopholis 98
fucata, Archamia 110
furcosus, Nemipterus 144
fuscescens, Siganus 199
Gazza minuta 126
gerrardi, Himantura 15
Gerreidae 138
Gerres chrysops 138
erythrourus 139
filamentosus 139
macracanthus 140
oyena 140
ghobban, Scarus 178
gibbosa, Sardinella 38
gibbosus, Plectorhinchus 142
gilberti, Dactyloptena 74
Glossogobius aureus 191
Gnathanodon speciosus 119
Gobiidae 189
gracilis, Taenioides 194
Grammatobothus polyophthalmus 215
Grammoplites knappi 89
grandisquama, Engyprosopon 214
grayi, Halicampus 70
griseus, Gymnocranius 149
grunniens, Allenbatrachus 52
gularis, Apogon 107
guttatus, Siganus 199
Gymnocranius elongatus 148
griseus 149
Gymnothorax dorsalis 19
herrei 20
minor 20
pseudothyrsoideus 21
thyrsoideus 21
Haemulidae 141
Halicampus grayi 70
Halichoeres bicolor 175
hamiltoni, Thryssa 34
hanedai, Secutor 128
hawaiiensis, Elops 17
hedlandensis, Carangoides 117
Hemiramphidae 62
Hemiramphus archipelagicus 62
Hemiscylliidae 8
Heniochus acuminatus 165
heniochus, Epinephelus 99
heptacanthus, Parupeneus 157
heptagonus, Hippichthys 71
herrei, Gymnothorax 20
heterolepis, Johnius 156
heteroloba, Encrasicholina 31
heterura, Parapterois 78
hexagona, Myripristis 65
Hexanematichthys sagor 44
hexodon, Nemipterus 144
hians, Ablennes 63
Hilsa kelee 37
Himantura gerrardi 15
walga 15
Hippichthys heptagonus 71
Hippocampus trimaculatus 71
hispidus, Antennarius 54
histophorus, Scartelaos 193
holocanthus, Diodon 234
Holocentridae 65
homei, Encheliophis 50
humeralis, Butis 188
hypargyreus, Thamnaconus 229

Hypoatherina valenciennei 59
Hyporhamphus limbatus 62
quoyi 63
Ilisha kampeni 28
melastoma 29
indicius, Secutor 129
indicum, Ariomma 205
indicus, Alectis 115
Platycephalus 90
Stolephorus 33
Inegocia japonica 89
Iniistius evides 176
trivittatus 176
Inimicus cuvieri 84
japonica, Inegocia 89
japonicum, Acropoma 96
japonicus, Calliurichthys 184
Ostichthys 67
jarbua, Terapon 168
javanicus, Pseudorhombus 212
javus, Siganus 200
jello, Sphyraena 201
jerdoni, Sirembo 51
Johnius amblycephalus 155
carouna 155
heterolepis 156
jonesi, Eubleekeria 125
jubata, Aspericorvina 153
kampeni, Ilisha 28
kanagurta, Rastrelliger 204
kelee, Hilsa 37
Ketengus typus 45
kleinii, Alepes 115
knappi, Grammoplites 89
kobensis, Aseraggodes 218
koilomatodon, Butis 188
kopsii, Ambassis 93
Kumococius rodericensis 90
Kyphosidae 90
Kyphosus cinerascens 162
vaigiensis 163
Labridae 175
Lactoria cornuta 230
lacunosus, Atherinomorus 59
Lagocephalus lunaris 232
suezensis 232
lambdastigma, Leptojulis 177
laternarius, Pegasus 68
Lates calcarifer 95
Latidae 95
Leiognathidae 124
Leiognathus equulus 127
leiura, Strongylura 64
lentjan, Lethrinus 149
Lepidoblepharon ophthalmolepis 210
Leptojulis lambdastigma 177
leptolepis, Selaroides 121
lepturus, Trichiurus 202
Uroconger 26
Lethrinidae 148
Lethrinus lentjan 149
leurynnis, Acanthosphex 82
lewini, Sphyrna 11
Liachirus melanospilos 219
limbatus, Hyporhamphus 62
lindmani, Coilia 30
lineatus, Plotosus 42
lingua, Cynoglossus 223
Lobotes surinamensis 137
Lobotidae 137

237
longicornis, Nuchequula 127
longimanus, Pentaprion 140
longipelvis, Engyprosopon 214
longirostris, Trachyrhamphus 72
lucius, Channa 207
lunaris, Lagocephalus 232
Lutjanidae 130
Lutjanus lutjanus 131
madras 131
malabaricus 132
russellii 132
sebae 133
vitta 133
lutjanus, Lutjanus 131
lymma, Taeniura 16
macracanthus, Gerres 140
Priacanthus 103
Suggrundus 92
macrolepis, Opistognathus 102
Macrotrema caligans 73
macrurus, Pseudomonacanthus 229
maculata, Mene 123
maculatus, Arius 43
Plectropomus 100
Pomadasys 142
madras, Lutjanus 131
malabaricus, Carangoides 118
Lutjanus 132
marginatus, Nemipterus 145
marmoratus, Atelomycterus 9
mate, Atule 117
Megalaspis cordyla 119
megalolepis, Secutor 129
Megalopidae 18
Megalops cyprinoides 18
melanochir, Setipinna 32
melanoptera, Alepes 116
melanospilos, Liachirus 219
melastoma, Ilisha 29
Mene maculata 123
Menidae 123
mentalis, Ulua 122
mento, Parexocoetus 61
meridionalis, Repomacenus 186
microchir, Myrophis 23
microlepis, Boesemania 154
microps, Prionobutis 188
micropterus, Uropterygius 22
micropterus micropterus, Oxyporhamphus 61
militaris, Osteogeneiosus 45
minor, Gymnothorax 20
Minous monodactylus 84
pictus 85
trachycephalus 85
minuta, Gazza 126
Monacanthidae 227
Monacanthus chinensis 228
monoceros, Aluterus 227
monodactylus, Minous 84
monogramma, Scolopsis 147
Moolgarda cunnesius 57
mossambicus, Oreochromis 171
Mugilidae 56
Mullidae 157
multibarbus, Choridactylus 83
multisquama, Engyprosopon 215
Muraenesocidae 25
Muraenesox cinereus 25
Muraenidae 19
Myersina crocatus 192

filifer 192
myops, Trachinocephalus 48
Myripristis hexagona 65
rovusta 66
violacea 66
Myrophis microchir 23
Mystus velifer 46
Narcine brevilabiata 12
Narcinidae 12
naresii, Cypselurus 60
naucrates, Echeneis 113
nebulosus, Yongeichthys 194
neglecta, Scorpaenopsis 80
nematophorus, Nemipterus 145
Nemipteridae 143
Nemipterus balinensoides 143
furcosus 144
hexodon 144
marginatus 145
nematophorus 145
tambuloides 146
Neomerinthe procurva 78
rotunda 78
Nettastomatidae 27
niger, Apogonichthyoides 109
Parastromateus 120
nigrocincta, Apogon 107
nigrofasciata, Seriolina 122
niloticus, Oreochromis 172
niphonia, Pristigenys 104
novaezeelandiae, Brachypleura 209
Nuchequula blochii 126
longicornis 127
nummifer, Antennarius 55
oblongus, Equulites 124
Takifugu 232
obtusata, Sphyraena 201
obtusirostris, Pristotis 174
ocellatus, Parachaetodon 166
oetik, Arius 44
oligodon, Pseudorhombus 212
Omobranchus ferox 182
punctatus 183
Ophichthidae 23
Ophidiidae 51
ophthalmolepis, Lepidoblepharon 210
Opistognathidae 102
Opistognathus macrolepis 102
orbicularis, Cyclichthys 233
orbis, Ephippus 195
Oreochromis mossambicus 171
niloticus 172
orientalis, Dactyloptena 75
Osteogeneiosus militaris 45
Ostichthys japonicus 67
Ostraciidae 230
Otolithes ruber 156
oualensis, Pempheris 160
ovata, Solea 219
Oxuderces dentatus 192
Oxyporhamphus micropterus micropterus 61
oyena, Gerres 140
pacificus, Acanthopagrus 150
Pampus argenteus 206
panoides, Brachirus 218
Parachaetodon ocellatus 166
Parachaeturichthys polynema 193
Paralichthyidae 211
Parambassis wolffii 94
Paramonacanthus choirocephalus 229

Paramugil parmatus 57
Parapercis alboguttata 179
filamentosa 180
xanthozona 180
Paraplagusia blochii 223
Parapterois heterura 78
Parastromateus niger 120
Pardachirus pavoninus 219
Parexocoetus mento 61
parmatus, Paramugil 57
Parupeneus heptacanthus 157
patoca, Chelonodon 231
pavoninus, Pardachirus 219
Pegasidae 68
Pegasus laternarius 68
volitans 69
Pelates quadrilineatus 167
sexlineatus 168
Pempheridae 160
Pempheris oualensis 160
penicilligerus, Chaetodermis 228
Pentapodus setosus 146
Pentaprion longimanus 140
petimba, Fistularia 72
Photopectoralis bindus 128
picta picta, Diagramma 141
pictus, Minous 85
Pinguipedidae 179
Pinjalo pinjalo 134
pinjalo, Pinjalo 134
Pisodonophis cancrivorus 24
Plagiotremus spilistius 183
planus, Repomacenus 186
Platax teira 196
Platycephalidae 88
Platycephalus indicus 90
Plectorhinchus gibbosus 142
Plectropomus maculatus 100
pleuron, Apogon 107
Plicofollis argyropleuron 45
Plotosidae 41
Plotosus canius 41
lineatus 42
poecilopterus, Apogon 108
Cypselurus 61
polykladiskos, Bahaba 154
polynema, Parachaeturichthys 193
Polynemidae 151
Polynemus aquilonaris 152
polyophthalmus, Grammatobothus 215
Pomacentridae 173
Pomadasys argenteus 142
maculatus 142
praeustus, Carangoides 118
Priacanthidae 103
Priacanthus macracanthus 103
tayenus 104
Prionobutis microps 188
Pristigasteridae 28
Pristigenys niphonia 104
pristiger, Rogadius 91
Pristotis obtusirostris 174
procurva, Neomerinthe 78
Psettodes erumei 208
Psettodidae 208
Pseudapocryptes elongatus 193
pseudolanceolatus, Bregmaceros 49
Pseudomonacanthus macrurus 229
Pseudorhombus arsius 211
javanicus 212

238
oligodon 212
pseudothyrsoideus, Gymnothorax 21
Pseudotriacanthus strigilifer 224
Pterocaesio chrysozona 136
Pterois russelii 79
volitans 79
Pterygotrigla tagala 87
punctata, Cociella 88
Drepane 164
punctatum, Chiloscyllium 8
punctatus, Omobranchus 183
puncticeps, Cynoglossus 223
punctifer, Encrasicholina 31
puta, Terapon 169
quadrilineatus, Pelates 167
quagga, Zebrias 220
quoyanus, Epinephelus 100
quoyi, Hyporhamphus 63
Rachycentridae 112
Rachycentron canadum 112
ransonnettii, Elates 89
Rastrelliger brachysoma 204
kanagurta 204
Repomacenus belcheri recurvispinnis 185
filamentosus 186
meridionalis 186
planus 186
reticulatus, Allenbatrachus 53
Rhynchobatidae 13
Rhynchobatus australiae 13
Rhynchoconger ectenurus 26
robusta, Myripristis 66
rodericensis, Kumococius 90
Rogadius pristiger 91
tuberculatus 91
rotunda, Neomerinthe 78
ruber, Otolithes 156
rubrum, Sargocentron 67
russelii, Pterois 79
russelli, Decapterus 119
Dendrophysa 154
russellii, Lutjanus 132
sagor, Hexanematichthys 44
Samaridae 216
Samaris cristatus 216
Sardinella albella 38
gibbosa 38
Sargocentron rubrum 67
Saurenchelys cancrivora 27
Saurida tumbil 47
Scaridae 178
Scartelaos histophorus 193
Scarus ghobban 178
Scatophagidae 197
Scatophagus argus 197
Sciaenidae 153
Scolopsis monogramma 147
taenioptera 147
vosmeri 147
Scomberoides commersonnianus 120
tala 120
tol 121
Scomberomorus commerson 204
Scombridae 203
Scorpaenidae 77
Scorpaenopsis neglecta 80
venosa 80
Scyliorhinidae 9
sebae, Lutjanus 133
Secutor hanedai 128

indicius 129
megalolepis 129
Selar boops 121
Selaroides leptolepis 121
semilineatus, Apogon 108
Seriolina nigrofasciata 122
Serranidae 97
serrulata, Brachypterois 77
setifer, Xiphasia 183
Setipinna melanochir 32
taty 32
setirostris, Thryssa 35
setosus, Pentapodus 146
sexfasciatus, Caranx 118
Epinephelus 100
sexlineatus, Pelates 168
Siganidae 198
Siganus canaliculatus 198
fuscescens 199
guttatus 199
javus 200
virgatus 200
sihama, Sillago 111
Sillaginidae 111
Sillago aeolus 111
sihama 111
Sirembo jerdoni 51
smithi, Apogon 108
Solea ovata 219
Soleidae 217
sonnerati, Cephalopholis 98
sorrah, Carcharhinus 10
Sparidae 150
speciosus, Gnathanodon 119
Sphyraena jello 201
obtusata 201
Sphyraenidae 201
Sphyrna lewini 11
Sphyrnidae 11
spilistius, Plagiotremus 183
stellatus, Abalistes 226
stercorarius, Equulites 125
Stolephorus dubiosus 33
indicus 33
waitei 34
striata, Channa 207
striatodes, Apogon 109
strigilifer, Pseudotriacanthus 224
Stromateidae 206
Strongylura leiura 64
strongylura 64
strongylura, Strongylura 64
suezensis, Lagocephalus 232
Suggrundus macracanthus 92
sulphureus, Upeneus 158
sundaicus, Upeneus 158
surinamensis, Lobotes 137
Synanceiidae 83
Synaptura commersonii 220
Synbranchidae 73
Syngnathidae 70
Synodontidae 47
Synodus tectus 48
Taenioides gracilis 194
taenioptera, Scolopsis 147
Taeniura lymma 16
tagala, Pterygotrigla 87
Takifugu oblongus 232
tala, Scomberoides 120
tambuloides, Nemipterus 146

taty, Setipinna 32
tayenus, Priacanthus 104
tectus, Synodus 48
teira, Platax 196
Tenualosa toli 39
Terapon jarbua 168
puta 169
theraps 169
Terapontidae 167
tetradactylum, Eleutheronema 151
Tetraodon biocellatus 233
Tetraodontidae 231
Tetrarogidae 81
Thamnaconus hypargyreus 229
thazard, Auxis 203
theraps, Terapon 169
thoracata, Escualosa 37
Thryssa hamiltoni 34
setirostris 35
thyrsoideus, Gymnothorax 21
Thysanophrys chiltonae 92
tol, Scomberoides 121
toli, Tenualosa 39
Toxotes chatareus 161
Toxotidae 161
Trachicephalus uranoscopus 86
Trachinocephalus myops 48
trachinoides, Vespicula 81
trachycephalus, Minous 85
Trachyrhamphus longirostris 72
tragula, Upeneus 159
Triacanthidae 224
Triacanthus biaculeatus 225
triangularis, Drombus 191
Trichiuridae 202
Trichiurus lepturus 202
Triglidae 87
trimaculatus, Hippocampus 71
Tripodichthys blochi 225
Triso dermopterus 101
trispinosus, Batrachomoeus 53
trivittatus, Iniistius 176
truncatus, Apogon 109
Cryptarius 44
Trypauchen vagina 194
tuberculatus, Rogadius 91
tumbil, Saurida 47
Tylosurus acus melanotus 64
typus, Ketengus 45
Xiphocheilus 177
Ulua mentalis 122
unicolor, Aulopareia 190
Upeneus sulphureus 158
sundaicus 158
tragula 159
Uranoscopidae 181
Uranoscopus cognatus 181
uranoscopus, Trachicephalus 86
Uraspis uraspis 122
uraspis, Uraspis 122
Uroconger lepturus 26
Uropterygius micropterus 22
vachellii, Ambassis 94
vagina, Trypauchen 194
vaigiensis, Abudefduf 173
Ellochelon 56
Kyphosus 163
valenciennei, Hypoatherina 59
vari, Alepes 116
velifer, Mystus 46

239
venosa, Scorpaenopsis 80
Vespicula trachinoides 81
violacea, Myripristis 66
virgatus, Siganus 200
viridipunctatus, Acentrogobius 190
vitta, Lutjanus 133
volitans, Pegasus 69

Pterois 79
vosmeri, Scolopsis 147
waitei, Stolephorus 34
walga, Himantura 15
wolffii, Parambassis 94
xanthozona, Parapercis 180
Xenaploactis asperrima 82

Xiphasia setifer 183
Xiphocheilus typus 177
Yongeichthys nebulosus 194
Zebrias quagga 220
zugei, Dasyatis 14

Tomohiro Yoshida · Hiroyuki Motomura ·Prachya Musikasinthorn · Keiichi Matsuura

15:28:18
2013/10/01
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