Mesopristes argenteus (Cuvier, 1829)
Silver grunter
Mesopristes argenteus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Terapontidae (Grunters or tigerperches)
Max. size:  30 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish; marine, amphidromous
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Yaeyama Islands (Japan) south to Queensland (Australia) and east to New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-9
Biology:  Adults inhabit inshore areas near mangroves. Occur in lentic and lotic freshwater (Ref. 7300). Juveniles commonly found in the lower sections of creeks and may penetrate several kilometers into fresh water (Ref. 2847, 44894). Omnivore. Eggs are guarded and fanned by the male parent (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 September 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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