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Elongate grunter (Mesopristes elongatus) — Terapontidae

Elongate grunter

Mesopristes elongatus
Family: Terapontidae

The Elongate grunter (Mesopristes elongatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Terapontidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Brackish
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Madagascar
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The elongate grunter is a grunter (Terapontidae) from estuaries, mangroves and lower river reaches of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with fine dark longitudinal lines; with its swim bladder it can make a grunting sound. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it searches over sand and mud for small invertebrates, shrimp, algae and detritus. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Elongate grunter?

The Elongate grunter has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Elongate grunter live?

The Elongate grunter lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Madagascar

How big does the Elongate grunter get?

The Elongate grunter grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Elongate grunter dangerous to humans?

No, the Elongate grunter is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Elongate grunter edible?

The Elongate grunter is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Elongate grunter sourced
Scientific name
Mesopristes elongatus
Family
Terapontidae
Other names
Plain terapon sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Madagascar sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Mesopristes

More from the family Terapontidae

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