Plectorhinchus gibbosus (Lacepède 1802)

Description: Adult plain grey, often with pale centers, vertical bar broad black diffuse from dorsal to midlateral side across anterior part of body; margin of gill opening, cheek, and fins dusky. Juveniles brown to near black, mimicking leaves floating in surface waters, large whitish blotches often present (Ref. 48635, 90102). Lips very thick in adults. Body depth 2.1-2.7 in SL. Caudal fin slightly rounded in juveniles becoming truncate in adults (Ref. 90102).

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 16; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 7 - 8

Found in coastal reefs, sandbanks, and near estuaries (Ref. 30573), in rocky and coral reefs (Ref. 9137). Enters freshwater (Ref. 7050). Associated with seagrass (Ref. 118046).

Found in coastal reefs, sandbanks, and near estuaries (Ref. 30573). Enter freshwater (Ref. 7050). Small juveniles occur along sheltered sandy shorelines where they mimic a dead leaf by drifting on their sides (Ref. 37816). Adults mainly in protected inshore reefs to deep offshore, sometimes swims in small groups (Ref. 48635). Excellent food fish (Ref. 2799).

fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes