Albula glossodonta (Forsskål, 1775)
Roundjaw bonefish
Albula glossodonta
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Albulidae (Bonefishes), subfamily: Albulinae
Max. size:  90 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 8,610.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; depth range - 10 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to the Hawaiian and Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island, Australia; throughout Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-19; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Tip of lower jaw broadly rounded; a spot of black pigment often present on the underside of snout, at least in smaller individuals; tooth patches on parasphenoid and basibranchial bones more broadly oval in shape, average width/length 0.38 and 0.45, respectively; number of teeth in pharyngobranchial tooth patch usually 5-15 (Ref. 9828). Compared to A. argentea which has a yellow spot on the axil of the pectoral fin, in this species, there is none (Ref. 74924).
Biology:  Inhabits mud flats of turbid inner reefs and mangroves and sandy lagoons (Ref. 9710). Benthopelagic in shallow, coastal areas (Ref. 58302). Grabs food from the substratum using its snout. Feeds on invertebrates, benthic species, mollusks and small crustaceans (Ref. 89972). Can tolerate oxygen poor water by inhaling air into a lung-like air bladder (Ref. 9710). Migrates to mass spawn at seaward mouths of channels on lunar cycle (Ref. 9710). Sold fresh in markets but seldom used for human consumption.
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 29 March 2011 (A2bcd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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