Latin name

Albula glossodonta

Other name

Roundjaw bonefish, shortjaw bonefish, Indo-Pacific bonefish, sharpjaw bonefish, or smallmouth bonefish.

Identification

This species is characterized by the following features: the tip of the lower jaw is broadly rounded; the number of teeth in the pharyngobranchial region is usually 5-15. Short-jawed bonefish can tolerate low-oxygen water by inhaling air in a lung-like air bladder. 

Features of fish fins

A patch of black pigment is often present on the underside of the snout, at least in small individuals. The toothed spots on the parasphenoid and basibranchial bones are more broadly oval in shape. Unlike A. argentea, which has a yellow spot in the pectoral sinus, this species does not.

Fish colouring

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 19; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. 

Distribution

Widespread in the Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to Hawaii and the Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island in Australia; throughout Micronesia.

Habitat

A tropical oceanodromous species that prefers brackish waters. Habitat depths range from 0 to 20 m. 

Size

The maximum length of males is 90.0 cm and the maximum reported weight is 8.6 kg.

Behavior

It lives on the mudflats of inner reefs, in mangroves and sandy lagoons, in shallow coastal waters. During the lunar cycle, migrates to the mouths of sea channels for mass spawning. 

Food and feeding habits

Picks up food from the surface with its snout. Feeds on invertebrates, benthic species, mollusks and small crustaceans. 

Reproduction

During spawning, female shortjaw bonefish release thousands of eggs into the water, which are fertilized by the males. The eggs hatch into larvae and drift with the currents for several weeks, feeding on plankton and growing rapidly. 

Fishing

Recreational fishing for this fish is popular in Hawaii, the Cook Islands, Christmas Island, and French Polynesia. However, fishermen should be cautious when fishing for this fish in some areas due to the high probability of shark attacks. 

Relationship with a person

Shortjaw bonefish are important to the food security of the entire Pacific coast where they occur, as Pacific island populations depend on these fish as a food source. However, this species is extinct throughout most of its range.