Taxonomy of ponyfishes and silver-biddies (pisces : leiognathidae and gerreidae) in Thai water

Abstract

Pla Pan (Ponyfishes) and Pla Dok-Mark (Silver-biddies) are speciose fishes of similar forms and sizes. They are recognized as an important composition of fish resources of Thailand. The taxonomic study of them for further local researches is badly needed. The present taxonomic study of Leiognathidae and Gerreidae in Thai waters is based mainly on the materials secured from fish landings, fish ports, local markets and in some cases in fishing boats working along the coasts, during the months of November 1988 to November 1990. The museum specimens from several local institutions are also included. They comprise 971 individuals, and can be classified into 25 species, within 5 genera. Gazza achlamys, Leiognathus berbis and L. dussumieri have been previously reported or expected to be found from Thailand from times to times; but no single specimen of these fishes is turned up for the study. Their occurrences are, however, possible. Most studied species are truly marine fishes, only L. brevirostris, L. splendens, Secutor insidiator, S. ruconius and Gerres filamentosus are found also in brakish waters. The illustrated keys are provided for the identification of families, genera and species. The selected data, For example, common names, synonyms, diagnosis, remarks, including the frequency tables and grapes for species comparisons, and available references, are also given.