Fin's Fish Guide
The Pignose grunter (Lithognathus lithognathus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 200 cm.
Description
The white steenbras is a large seabream (Sparidae) from coastal and estuarine water of southern Africa. The species grows to about 2 metres and has an elongate, silver-grey body with an extended, pointed snout and an inferior mouth with which it digs prey from sand and mud bottoms. As a bottom-oriented predator it searches shallow coastal and estuarine water for worms, molluscs, crabs and shrimp. Heavy fishing has strongly reduced its numbers. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pignose grunter?
The Pignose grunter has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Elongated pointed snout; sediment-digging sea bream
Where does the Pignose grunter live?
The Pignose grunter lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern Africa
How big does the Pignose grunter get?
The Pignose grunter grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 65 cm.
Is the Pignose grunter dangerous to humans?
No, the Pignose 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 Pignose grunter edible?
Yes, the Pignose grunter is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lithognathus
More from the family Sparidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pignose grunter is one of 12,519 species in the app.