Pomadasys commersonnii (Lacepède, 1801)
Smallspotted grunter
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Haemulidae (Grunts), subfamily: Haemulinae
Max. size:  80 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 49 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic and Western Indian Ocean: Western and Eastern Cape, South Africa, East Africa, Persian Gulf, Socotra, Seychelles, Madagascar to northwest coast of India.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-10. Juveniles without spots on body (Ref. 2799).
Biology:  Found in coastal waters, estuaries, and tidal fissures; can tolerate freshwater. It can jet a stream of water into the mud to expose crustaceans, worms and small bivalves which it feeds on (Ref. 11441); including fish (Ref. 5213). Tasty food fish (Ref. 2799). Maximum depth range from Ref. 122702.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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