Rite Dentu

Some pairs of moderately large canines in anterior part of both jaws, 6 to 13 lateral teeth in lower jaw, stronger and more widely spaced than those of upper jaw. Gill rakers pointed, longer than broad. Soft ray count of pectoral fin refers to that on ocular side (Ref 9774).

Distinct pairing (Ref. 205).

Oceanodromous. Migrating within oceans typically between spawning and different feeding areas, as tunas do. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 71 - 84; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 53 - 62; Vertebrae: 36

Euryhaline species. Prefers muddy, sandy or gravel bottom. Juveniles can make extensive use of estuaries and inhabit mangrove swamps. Both juveniles and adults can be found in the intertidal, on muddy and sandy bottoms and near mangrove and seagrass beds (Ref. 121944).

Found in shallow waters and estuaries, on mud and sand bottoms, to depths of 200 m (Ref. 30573). Juveniles common in brackish water (Ref. 9774). Feeds on benthic animals (Ref. 5213). Mainly sold fresh (Ref. 9774).

fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes