GERREIDAE Gerres macracanthus, 11.1 cm SL (photo by Yukio Iwatsuki) Gerres macracanthus Bleeker, 1854 Longspined Silverybiddy D IX, 10; A III, 7; P1 15; LLp 41-44; usually 4 1/2 scale rows between 5th dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line; 2nd dorsal-fin spine elongated and filamented; 5 1/2 or 6 1/2 scales above lateral line, 9 1/2 or 10 1/2 below; short 2nd and 3rd anal-fin spines 9.1-14% and 10-14% SL, respectively. Body relatively slender and compressed. Color: body silvery with usually 6-10 (rarely up to 14 as faint bands in larger specimens) indistinct vertical dark bands on body in subadults and adults (more apparent in preserved or agitated specimens), not forming vertical rows of dark ovoid spots (as in G. filamentosus). Size: maximum size ca. 17 cm SL, commonly 15 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: occurs in estuaries, lower reaches of coastal rivers and mangroves in juvenile, and then, in coastal waters in adults. This species has long been confused with G. filamentosus. (Yukio Iwatsuki)