About Ambassis jacksoniensis (Macleay, 1881)
The Port Jackson glassfish, scientifically named Ambassis jacksoniensis (Macleay, 1881), reaches a maximum standard length of 7 cm (2+3⁄4 inches). Its body and head are silver, semi-transparent, and covered in large cycloid scales. It has a short, deeply notched dorsal fin and a forked tail fin. This species is slimmer than its close relative Ambassis marianus: its body depth makes up 33 to 38% of its standard length, while A. marianus has a body depth of 37 to 44% of standard length. Unlike A. marianus, which only has a partial lateral line, the Port Jackson glassfish has a lateral line that runs the full length of its body. This fish is native to coastal eastern Australia, ranging from Moreton Bay in Queensland south to Narooma in southern New South Wales. It inhabits estuaries and protected brackish tidal streams that have mangroves growing along their margins.
