Fin's Fish Guide
The Bastard grunt (Pomadasys incisus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 54 cm.
Description
The bastard grunt is a marine fish of the family Haemulidae reaching over 50 cm but usually around 25 cm. The back is dark brown and the belly silvery-white, with a conspicuous black spot on the upper edge of the gill cover. Like other grunts it can make grunting sounds by grinding pharyngeal teeth and amplifying them with the swim bladder. It lives over hard and sandy bottoms of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean between 10 and 100 m, feeding on benthic invertebrates. Adults enter estuaries and lagoons. The bastard grunt is a valued food fish taken in coastal fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bastard grunt?
The Bastard grunt has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Grunt with a dark back, silvery belly and a black blotch on the upper edge of the operculum; makes grunting sounds with its swim bladder.
Where does the Bastard grunt live?
The Bastard grunt lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Angola to Spain; Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Bastard grunt get?
The Bastard grunt grows to a maximum of about 54 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Bastard grunt dangerous to humans?
No, the Bastard grunt is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bastard grunt edible?
Yes, the Bastard grunt is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Bastard grunt and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pomadasys
More from the family Haemulidae
Want the complete picture on the Bastard grunt?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bastard grunt is one of 12,519 species in the app.