Author: (Forsskål, 1775)
FBname: Common ponyfish
Comments: Found in river mouths and muddy inshore areas (Ref. 2847, 37816), often in mangrove areas (Ref. 48635).  Adults are coastal inhabitants found on soft bottoms, usually between depths of 10-70 meters.  Juveniles are commonly found in mangrove estuaries and tidal creeks, sometimes entering the lower reaches of freshwater streams (Ref. 44894).  Adults move in schools.  Frequently ascend into freshwater reaches of rivers (Ref. 12693).  Active by day (Ref. 12693).  Feed on polychaetes, small crustaceans, small fishes (Ref. 30573) and worms (Ref. 12693).  Important food fish in the tropics (Ref. 4376). Caught near the bottom with bottom trawls, set nets, push nets, dip nets, and beach seines. In Indian waters, schools near the surface during April-May when caught with drift gill nets. Larger specimens sorted for human consumption and marketed fresh or dried-salted, but surplus fish used to feed ducks, converted to fishmeal, or discarded (Ref. 47581).