Duckbill

Long, flat, rounded snout like a duck's bill; head thick and pectoral disc with sharply curved, angular corners; upper or lower jaw; usually with 7 rows of flat teeth (Ref. 5578). Light brown with several pale blue-grey stripes (may be absent) dorsally, white ventrally (Ref. 5578).

Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures (Ref. 50449). Gestation about 6 months; 3-7 young produced (Ref. 5578). Size at birth 45 cm WD (Ref. 6677).

Semipelagic (Ref. 122907), found in coastal tropical and warm temperate waters (Refs. 5578, 122907), occasionally offshore (Ref. 5578). Also found in lagoons and estuaries (Ref. 122907). Sometimes found in small groups (Ref. 5578). Feeds on fish (Ref. 5578), on bottom-living crustaceans and mollusks (Ref. 57025).

Found in coastal tropical and warm temperate waters, occasionally offshore. Sometimes found in small groups (Ref. 5578). Feed on bottom-living crustaceans and mollusks. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449), aplacental (Ref. 57025). Prized angling fish, often released (Ref. 5578). Flesh highly esteemed (Ref. 3965).

fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes