Pleuronichthys cornutus (Temminck & Schlegel 1846)

This species is distinguished by the following characters: scale length (trunk area) less than 1.23% of SL, the whole scale outline fan-shaped, exposed margin rhombic; scales non-deciduous, longitudinal and vertical scale rows essentially regular; upper eye area usually less than lower eye area, area ratio 0.70–1.08; central longitudinal scales 88-105, scales below lateral line 59-74, abdominal vertebrae 12-14 (usually 13) (Ref. 126213).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 71 - 83; Analsoft rays: 50 - 62; Vertebrae: 36 - 39

Occurs mainly on sandy bottoms in shallow coastal waters (relatively dominant over P. cornutus in Tokyo and Ise Bays, and the Seto Inland, Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas. Probably have some tolerance for reduced salinity forit is reported to be occasionally occurring in river estuaries in China and Korea and brackish waters in Japan (Ref. 126213).