Strongspine Silverbiddy

Gerres longirostris

The Strongspine Silverbiddy is a reef-associated fish found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and South Africa to the Marquesas Islands, and extending north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to Australia. It inhabits marine, freshwater, and brackish environments, often seen in coastal waters up to 50 meters deep. Juveniles are typically found in estuaries or lagoons, while adults prefer clear coastal waters over sandy bottoms. They can be observed either singly or in groups, feeding primarily on small bottom invertebrates. This species reaches a maximum length of 44.5 cm, with a common length of around 20 cm. It is characterized by its olive-green coloration on the head and trunk, transitioning to silvery below, and a distinctive blackish snout region. The dorsal fin has faint black blotches, and the caudal fin is dusky with a darker margin. The body also features prominent dark stripes along the scale rows above the lateral line. During spawning, they form aggregations around the new moon. Divers encountering the Strongspine Silverbiddy may notice its fusiform, compressed body shape and deeply forked caudal fin. It is a harmless species and is commercially fished, often sold fresh in markets. According to the IUCN, it is categorized as Least Concern.