LEIOGNATHIDAE


Gazza rhombea, 9.9 cm SL
(photo by Seishi Kimura)


Gazza rhombea
Kimura, Yamashita and Iwatsuki, 2000
Rhomboid Toothpony

D VIII, 16; A III, 14; P1 15-18; LL 56-66; LGR 13-17; V 10+14.

Body deep, rhomboid, strongly compressed in adults, oblong in juveniles. Mouth protruding forwards, not downwards, with distinct canine teeth on both jaws; a long narrow anterodorsal extension of subocular silvery region, proximal contact only with orbit. Pelvic fin tips not reaching to origin of anal fin when appressed. Scaled area of anterior dorsolateral surface of body not reaching to a vertical through posterior tip of sensory canal on temporal; breast completely naked. Color: body bluish silver dorsally, brilliant silvery-white ventrally; anal fin yellowish distally. Size: maximum length about 18 cm SL. Distribution: tropical Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: feeds on small fishes and benthic animals. Marketed fresh or dried.