Fin's Fish Guide
The Sompat grunter (Pomadasys jubelini) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water, also in brackish estuaries and lagoons.
Description
The sompat grunter is a silvery fish of the family Haemulidae (grunts) reaching about 60 cm. The laterally compressed body bears fine dark spots on the flank and has yellowish fins; like other grunts it can make a grunting sound with its throat teeth, amplified by the swim bladder, from which the family takes its name. The species lives in schools over sand and mud bottoms of coastal water along the West African coast, also in brackish estuaries and lagoons. Mainly at night it hunts worms, crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. The sompat grunter is a valued commercial and sport fish in West Africa.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sompat grunter?
The Sompat grunter has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Silvery grunter (grunt) that makes a grunting sound with its pharyngeal teeth; flank with fine dark spots and yellowish fins.
Where does the Sompat grunter live?
The Sompat grunter lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water, also in brackish estuaries and lagoons.
How big does the Sompat grunter get?
The Sompat grunter grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.
Is the Sompat grunter dangerous to humans?
No, the Sompat grunter is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sompat grunter edible?
Yes, the Sompat grunter is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Sompat grunter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sompat grunter is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pomadasys
More from the family Haemulidae
Want the complete picture on the Sompat grunter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sompat grunter is one of 12,519 species in the app.