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Neil's grunter (Scortum neili) — Terapontidae

Neil's grunter

Scortum neili
Family: Terapontidae

The Neil's grunter (Scortum neili) is a freshwater fish of the family Terapontidae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
24 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0.0–3.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

Neil's grunter is a grunter (Terapontidae) from rivers and pools of northern Australia. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a stocky, grey-silver body with a high back and a sturdy head; with its swim bladder it can make a grunting sound. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it searches over sand and mud for snails, insect larvae, crustaceans, fruit and plant matter. It is locally a sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Neil's grunter?

The Neil's grunter has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Neil's grunter live?

The Neil's grunter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Neil's grunter get?

The Neil's grunter grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.

Is the Neil's grunter dangerous to humans?

No, the Neil's 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Neil's grunter sourced
Scientific name
Scortum neili
Family
Terapontidae
Other names
Neil's grunter; Angalarri grunter verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
3.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia 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

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 Scortum

More from the family Terapontidae

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