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Roundjaw bonefish (Albula glossodonta) — Albulidae

Roundjaw bonefish

Albula glossodonta
Family: Albulidae

The Roundjaw bonefish (Albula glossodonta) is a brackish-water fish of the family Albulidae that grows up to 90 cm.

Length
90 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0.0–20.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Comoros, Mayotte and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Roundjaw bonefish is a bonefish (Albulidae) from shallow tropical coastal waters and sand flats of the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a streamlined, bright-silvery body with a downward-pointing, pig-like snout. As a bottom-oriented fish it roots on sandy tidal flats for worms, shellfish, crustaceans and small fish. It is a famed, hard-fighting sport fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Roundjaw bonefish?

The Roundjaw bonefish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Roundjaw bonefish live?

The Roundjaw bonefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Comoros, Mayotte and others

How big does the Roundjaw bonefish get?

The Roundjaw bonefish grows to a maximum of about 90 cm.

Is the Roundjaw bonefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Roundjaw bonefish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Roundjaw bonefish edible?

Yes, the Roundjaw bonefish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Roundjaw bonefish (Albula glossodonta) — Albulidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) catta, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Roundjaw bonefish (Albula glossodonta) — Albulidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) IHUNTA, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Roundjaw bonefish (Albula glossodonta) — Albulidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Lilly Sydenham, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Roundjaw bonefish (Albula glossodonta) — Albulidae — 5
P.C. Heemstra (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Roundjaw bonefish sourced
Scientific name
Albula glossodonta
Family
Albulidae
Other names
Indo-Pacific bonefish; Roundjaw bonefish; Sharpjaw bonefish; Shortjaw bonefish; Smallmouth bonefish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
90.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Comoros, Mayotte and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Albula

More from the family Albulidae

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