Order : Perciformes
Family : TERAPONTIDAE
Species : At least 52 species in 16 genera

Grunters, or Tigerperches, comprise the family Terapontidae. Fishbase lists 16 genera and 59 species in this family.

These are laterally compressed fishes, with a spiny dorsal fin, and other spines at the front of the anal fin. The tail fin is rounded to slightly forked. Many species are patterned with lateral stripes which extend onto the tail.

They have a varied diet which includes smaller fishes, algae and various invertebrates. The largest grunters may grow up to around 80 cm.

Many species of grunter occur in coastal marine habitats of Southeast Asia and neighbouring regions. Some species also occur in freshwater or brackish water habitats.

Fig 1 : Crescent Perch Terapon jarbua from Singapore's southern islands. This specimen was found at the edge of an area of mangrove regrowth.  The species reaches a maximum length of 32 cm.

Fig 2 : Grunter, possibly the Three-lined Grunter Terapon puta, from Changi Beach, Singapore.  This specimen was found amongst seagrass at low tide. The species reaches a maximum length of 16 cm.


References :

Allen, G. 1988. Marine Fishes of Southeast Asia. Western Australian Museum.


Links :

Fishbase - Terapontidae