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Moonfish


Moonfish is the common name for member of the Menidae family. There is only one genus and one recognized species worldwide. The species is distinguished by its extremely deep and compressed body, and elongated pelvic rays. The species is found in the Indo-West Pacific water. Fossil evidence shows that members of the family may have a circumglobal distribution and are more diverse during the geological past. They occur in large schools and feed on small invertebrates.



Scientific Name: Mene maculata  (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
English Name: Moonfish, Razor Moonfish, Razor Trevally
Chinese Name | 鱼类中文名: 眼镜鱼 (Yǎnjìng yú), 眼眶鱼 (Yǎnkuàng yú), 斧头鱼 (Fǔtóuyú), 皮刀鱼 (Pídāoyú)
Japanese Name | 和名: ギンカガミ (Ginkagami)
Malay Name | Nama Melayu Malaysia: Ikan Kapak, Gedabang, Kedabang, Kekek Jawa, Kekek Labu, Cermin Kapak
Indonesian Name | Nama Indonesia: Ikan Pilok, Golok Kasut, Matabah, Peperek Kampak, Peperek Kodi, Bete-bete Berang
Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาพระจันทร์ (Plā phrachạn)
Main Identification Features: Body very deep and extremely compressed. Sharp-edged breast. Pelvic fins with one short spine and 5 soft rays, the first 2 soft rays fused and greatly elongated. 2 to 4 irregular rows of dark round to ovoid spots close to the lateral line.
Size: Maximum total length about 30 cm, commonly to 20 cm.
Habitat and Ecology: Benthopelagic, to 200 m depth. A schooling species. Feeds on small invertebrates.

Moon fish body only

Moonfish full body

Moonfish head