Dentatherina merceri Patten & Ivantsoff, 1983
Mercer's tusked silverside
Dentatherina merceri
photo by FAO

Family:  Dentatherinidae (Tusked silversides)
Max. size:  5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Philippines to north-eastern Australia and from Moluccas to the Trobriand Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-14; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 14-16. Labial ligament to about halfway along premaxilla forming cylindrical pouch lateral to ramus of dentary and just below edge of premaxilla. Premaxilla with ventrally directed tusk-like process. Caudal peduncle very slender. Midlateral scales 40-43; transverse scale rows 7 to 9; interdorsal scales 8-12. Description: Characterized by semitranslucent appearance with thin, silvery midlateral stripe; slender body, greatest depth 6.6-9.2 in SL; large eye, 2.4-3.1 in head length; caudal peduncle 1.8-2.4 in head length, depth 18.3-26.0 in SL; small, thin and highly deciduous body scales (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found close inshore around islands and over coral reefs. Except for larval biology, little is known about this species. It may be taken as food by commercial species. This species is now placed under family Dentatherinidae in Parenti (1984 ?).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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