Animal Species:Banded Grunter, Amniataba percoides (Günther, 1864)
Banded grunter are widespread in northern Australia where they are an important part of the native fish fauna. However, they have little value as either a sport or table fish and are considered a pest species outside their natural range.
Banded Grunter caught on the Clarence River
Wayne Power
© Wayne Power
Identification
The Banded Grunter has five to eight black bars on the side of the body. The caudal fin has a dusky lower margin and spots centrally.
Size range
The species grows to about 12 cm in length.
Distribution
The Banded Grunter occurs in most major river systems of northern Australia from the Ashburton River in central Western Australia to the Burnett River in Queensland. It is also recorded from the Georgina and Finke Rivers in central Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Banded Grunter specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
They frequent weedy banks and shallow backwaters
Feeding and Diet
Dietary items include insects, crustaceans and algae.
Classification
- Species:
- percoides
- Genus:
- Amniataba
- Family:
- Terapontidae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Further Reading
- Allen, G.R. 1989. Freshwater Fishes of Australia. T.F.H. Publications. Pp. 240.
- Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & M. Allen. 2002. Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 394.
- Merrick, J.R. & G.E. Schmida. 1984. Australian Freshwater Fishes. Biology and Management. John R. Merrick. Pp. 409.
Mark McGrouther
, Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:
Tags fishes, ichthyology, Banded Grunter, Amniataba percoides, Terapontidae,