About Pomadasys argenteus (Forsskål, 1775)
Pomadasys argenteus (Forsskål, 1775) is a fish that ranges in color from silvery-mauve to pale brown, fading to silvery-white near the abdomen. Occasionally, dark greyish spots are scattered across its back and upper flanks. Its snout is dark brown, and the upper part of its operculum is dark greyish to purplish. The pelvic and anal fins are yellow, and the dorsal fin has rows of small spots running along it. Juveniles have numerous spots that form a pattern of dark lines along the flanks. This species has a blunt snout and a small mouth, with brush-like bands of teeth on the jaws. Its dorsal fin has 12 spines and 13 to 14 soft rays, while its anal fin has 3 spines and 7 soft rays. The maximum total length this species can reach is 70 cm (28 in), though a length of 25 cm (9.8 in) is more typical. Pomadasys argenteus has a wide distribution across the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. Its range extends from the southern Red Sea, off the coasts of Saudi Arabia and Yemen, east to Vanuatu, north to southern Japan, and south to Australia. It is not found in the Persian Gulf. In Australia, it occurs from Exmouth Gulf in Western Australia, across the northern part of the continent, to the Richmond River in New South Wales. This species lives in shallow inshore waters, near reefs, and also inhabits estuaries and mangroves. It has been recorded entering fresh waters in Madagascar and Malaysia. Its spawning season lasts from mid-May to early October, and females spawn approximately six times each season. Pomadasys argenteus is predatory, and feeds on benthic invertebrates including crustaceans, bivalves, and polychaetes.
