Nibea microgenys Sasaki, 1992
Small-jaw croaker

Family:  Sciaenidae (Drums or croakers)
Max. size:  23 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; brackish; marine
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: northern Australia, including the northwestern coast.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29-31; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Snout pointed, projecting in front of upper jaw; mouth small, inferior, slightly oblique; upper jaw length 32-38 % of head length, lower jaw length 34-40 % of head length. Mental pores in 3 pairs, the first close together, united by a crescent-shaped groove just behind symphysis. Teeth differentiated into large and small in upper jaw only; a band of villiform teeth in lower jaw. Second anal spine long, stiff, 44 to 57 % of head length. Swim bladder carrot-shaped, with 19-21 pairs of arborescent appendages along its sides, the first pair entering head beyond transverse of septum. Sagitta (large earstone) with a tadpole-shaped impression, the tail of which is J-shaped.
Biology:  Inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries and rivers (Ref. 9772). Mainly found in brackish or marine conditions, but sometimes penetrates fresh water (Ref. 44894).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 30 June 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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