Fin's Fish Guide
The Four lined therapon (Pelates quadrilineatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Terapontidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the western Pacific, in coastal waters and estuaries.
Description
The fourlined terapon is a small grunter (family Terapontidae) of Indo-West Pacific coastal waters. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a fusiform, silvery body usually marked with four dark longitudinal stripes. It is a coastal species often found in brackish water and estuaries; juveniles occur in seagrass beds and mangrove bays. The fish forms schools and feeds on small fishes and invertebrates. Grunters croak when taken from the water, and the male guards and fans the eggs. The species is harmless and is fished on a modest scale.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Four lined therapon?
The Four lined therapon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Makes grunting sounds out of the water; the male guards and fans the eggs; four dark longitudinal stripes.
Where does the Four lined therapon live?
The Four lined therapon lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the western Pacific, in coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the Four lined therapon get?
The Four lined therapon grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Four lined therapon dangerous to humans?
No, the Four lined therapon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Four lined therapon edible?
The Four lined therapon is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Four lined therapon and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Four lined therapon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Four lined therapon is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Terapontidae
Want the complete picture on the Four lined therapon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Four lined therapon is one of 12,519 species in the app.