| Common name | Mekebud |
| Language | Palauan |
| Type | Vernacular |
| Official trade name | No |
| Rank | 2 - (Preferred common name (unique)) |
| Country | Palau |
| Locality | Palau |
| Ref. | Johannes, R.E., 1981 |
| Life stage | juveniles and adults |
| Sex | females and males |
| Core | |
| 1st modifier | |
| 2nd modifier | |
| Remarks | Schools of mekebud are found in shallow water during the day but fishers say that they move to deeper water at dusk to feed on zooplankton. Prior to 1972, locals observed spawning yearly, from November through April, in the tidal creek at Ngeremlengui. Schools appeared at the spawning site two days before the full moon; actual spawning lasted for several days and occurred only at midmorning. It has been reported that after spawning they move to a point where a freshwater streams enters an estuary and make gulping movements (Palauans say they drink freshwater after spawning) before moving downstream to the fringing reef. On the reef, they are preyed upon by jacks, mackerel and snappers. Large schools used to spawn near Koror in seawater in front of the old boat yard. Spawning has also been reported in the Youlbeluu area. Palauan fishermen note that mekebud make seasonal migrations. They say that that schools move northward from the Rock Islands along both sides of Babeldaob. Upon reaching the northern tip the schools move southwards on the eastern side of the island. The southern limit in Palau is Ngemelis. Best caught during the spawning period; cast nests are mainly used. |