Here's a breakdown of their preferred habitat:
* Estuaries: These are areas where freshwater rivers meet saltwater oceans, creating a mixture of salinity. Milkfish thrive in these environments because they provide ample food sources and protection from predators.
* Coastal lagoons: These are shallow, enclosed bodies of water that are connected to the ocean. Milkfish use these lagoons as nurseries and feeding grounds.
* Mangrove swamps: Milkfish are often found in the shallow waters of mangrove swamps, where they find shelter among the roots and access abundant food sources.
* Seagrass beds: These underwater meadows are a key habitat for milkfish, providing food and shelter.
* Open ocean: While milkfish are primarily found in coastal waters, they can occasionally venture into the open ocean, especially during their larval stage.
Milkfish are euryhaline, meaning they can tolerate a wide range of salinity levels. This allows them to survive in both freshwater and saltwater environments, giving them a wide distribution across the Indo-Pacific region.