Fin's Fish Guide
The Cross-barred grant (Mesopristes cancellatus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Terapontidae that grows up to 23 cm.
Description
The tapiroid grunter is a perch-like fish of the family Terapontidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 23 cm and has a silvery body with dark cross-bands, to which the name refers. It is euryhaline and inhabits salt and brackish waters of bays and estuaries, penetrating into fresh water; juveniles are sometimes found in streams within five to ten kilometres of the sea. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, detritus and small invertebrates. The male guards and fans the eggs. The species is eaten locally.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cross-barred grant?
The Cross-barred grant has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Dark vertical bars; euryhaline, enters river mouths; the male tends the eggs.
Where does the Cross-barred grant live?
The Cross-barred grant lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific, in bays, estuaries and fresh water.
How big does the Cross-barred grant get?
The Cross-barred grant grows to a maximum of about 23 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Cross-barred grant dangerous to humans?
No, the Cross-barred grant is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cross-barred grant edible?
The Cross-barred grant is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Cross-barred grant?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mesopristes
More from the family Terapontidae
Want the complete picture on the Cross-barred grant?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cross-barred grant is one of 12,519 species in the app.