Banded Grunter, Amniataba percoides (Günther, 1864)

Scientific name: Amniataba percoides
Amniataba percoides Click to enlarge image
A Banded Grunter caught by M. Cassie at Mylneford, 70 km upstream from the mouth of the Clarence River, New South Wales, January 1999. The image was sent to the Australian Museum by Wayne Power of Clarence District Fisheries Office. The fish is probably the most southerly record of this species on the east coast. It is well south of the 'normal' distribution for this species. Image: W. Power
© W. Power

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Amniataba
    Species
    percoides
    Family
    Terapontidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to about 12 cm in length.

Introduction

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.

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.

Habitat

They frequent weedy banks and shallow backwaters

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.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Feeding and diet

Dietary items include insects, crustaceans and algae.

Further reading

  1. Allen, G.R. 1989. Freshwater Fishes of Australia. T.F.H. Publications. Pp. 240.
  2. Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & M. Allen. 2002. Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 394.
  3. Merrick, J.R. & G.E. Schmida. 1984. Australian Freshwater Fishes. Biology and Management. John R. Merrick. Pp. 409.