CHANDIDAE


Ambassis gymnocephalus, 3.9 cm SL
(preserved specimen; photo by Seishi Kimura)


Ambassis gymnocephalus
(Lacepède, 1802)
Bald Grassy

D VII+I, 9; A III, 9; P1 15-16; LL 12-14 + 10-14; LR 27-28.

Body oblong, compressed; lateral line interrupted at midway, anterior and posterior series with 12-14 and 10-14 scales, respectively. Some or more (most frequently 3 or 4) supraorbital spines (= posteriorly- directed spines at dorsoposterior margin of orbit); hind margin of preopercle smooth or weakly crenulate; 2 scale rows on cheek. Color: body semitransparent, head and belly silvery; dorsal fins hyaline, exclusive of membrane between 2nd and 3rd spines of first dorsal fin blackish; caudal fin often tinged with yellow, narrowly margined dusky posteriorly. Size: 10 cm SL. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found in brackish estuaries and tidal creeks, especially mangroves.