Author: (Lacepède, 1801)
FBname: Strongspine silver-biddy
Comments: Adults often in clear coastal waters up to about 50 m depth; juveniles often in estuaries or lagoons influenced by fresh water (Ref. 41108); they prefer shallow waters over sandy bottoms, from coral reefs to brackish waters (Ref. 30573).  Fry about 10 cm in length enter the estuaries and stay until they reach maturity (Ref. 34363).  Occur singly or in groups (Ref. 9710).  Feed on small bottom invertebrates (Ref. 3409).  In the Gilberts, the species forms spawning aggregations for a few days around the new moon (Ref. 37816).  Sold fresh in markets; processed into fishmeal.  Also taken with stake-nets (Ref. 3409).