Fin's Fish Guide
The Jarbua terapon (Terapon jarbua) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Terapontidae that grows up to 36 cm.
Indian and western Pacific Ocean, in shallow coastal water, estuaries, mangroves and river mouths; juveniles move far into fresh water.
Description
The jarbua terapon is a silvery fish of the family Terapontidae reaching about 36 cm. Three or four strikingly curved black bands run along the body, and the tail and dorsal fin bear dark markings. The gill cover has sharp spines and the dorsal fin is stoutly spined; both can cause painful cuts. The species forms schools in shallow coastal water, estuaries, mangroves and river mouths of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans and tolerates brackish and fresh water. It eats small fish, crustaceans, worms and insects and sometimes nibbles scales off other fish. With its swim bladder it produces grunting sounds. It is a common coastal and market fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Jarbua terapon?
The Jarbua terapon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Silvery little fish with three or four curved black longitudinal bands and sharp opercular spines; can make grunting sounds.
Where does the Jarbua terapon live?
The Jarbua terapon lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indian and western Pacific Ocean, in shallow coastal water, estuaries, mangroves and river mouths; juveniles move far into fresh water.
How big does the Jarbua terapon get?
The Jarbua terapon grows to a maximum of about 36 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Jarbua terapon dangerous to humans?
The Jarbua terapon can cause injury; handle it with care. The sharp fin and gill-cover spines can cause painful cut or puncture wounds; handle a caught fish carefully and clean any wound.
Is the Jarbua terapon edible?
Yes, the Jarbua terapon is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Jarbua terapon 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 Terapon
More from the family Terapontidae
Want the complete picture on the Jarbua terapon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Jarbua terapon is one of 12,519 species in the app.