Fin's Fish Guide
The Sharpbeak terapon (Rhynchopelates oxyrhynchus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Terapontidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Western Pacific, from southern Japan to the Philippines, in coastal and brackish water.
Description
Rhynchopelates oxyrhynchus is a grunter (family Terapontidae) of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, laterally compressed body with a markedly pointed snout and usually dark longitudinal bands on a pale background. It lives in coastal waters, estuaries and brackish water and is often found in river mouths. Its diet consists of invertebrates and small fishes. Grunters can produce sounds with their swim bladder. In this species the male guards and fans the eggs. In Japan the species is fished and also cultured. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sharpbeak terapon?
The Sharpbeak terapon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Strikingly pointed snout; can make sound with the swim bladder; the male guards and fans the eggs.
Where does the Sharpbeak terapon live?
The Sharpbeak terapon lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Western Pacific, from southern Japan to the Philippines, in coastal and brackish water.
How big does the Sharpbeak terapon get?
The Sharpbeak terapon grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Sharpbeak terapon dangerous to humans?
No, the Sharpbeak terapon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sharpbeak terapon edible?
Yes, the Sharpbeak terapon is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Terapontidae
Want the complete picture on the Sharpbeak terapon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sharpbeak terapon is one of 12,519 species in the app.