Polyamblyodon gibbosum
# Polyamblyodon gibbosum

Polyamblyodon gibbosum (Cristie) is a species of marine fish in the Seabream family (family Sparidae) of order Perciformes. It is native to the east coast of Southern Africa.

## Description

Robust, moderately deep body with a steep forehead and slightly protruding snout. Strongly defined lateral line and long pectoral fins.

The colour is an overall blue-grey, with dusky to pale yellow fins.

Attains 60 cm. Common length 35 cm.

### Diagnostics

The dorsal fin has 11 spines, followed by 12 rays. The anal fin has 3 spines and 11 rays. There are 16 to 19 gill rakers on the first gill arch. The lateral line has 77 to 78 scales. There are 2.5 times the body depth in the standard length.

## Taxonomy

### Synonyms

* Pachymetopon gibbosus Pellegrin, 1914
* Polyamblyodon cristiceps Smith, 1940

### Common names

* Cristie
* Knife-back Seabream

### Etymology

Latin gibbosum = humped

## Distribution and habitat

Known only from KwaZulu-Natal to central Mozambique and Madagascar. Common on Aliwal shoal and Sodwana reefs. Offshore coral and rocky reefs from shallow to 30m, but not in the surf zone. Forms loose feeding shoals over reefs. Little is known about the biology and population status. The species is not targeted to any great extent, and it is found in MPAs.

## Diet

Feeds on zooplankton.

