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Spotted Grunter
Spotted Grunter
(Pomadasys commersonnil)
Source: http://sacoast.uwc.ac.za/education/resources/fishyfacts/grunter.htm
Identification
The Spotted Grunter has a long, compressed body with a long, sloping forehead and pointed snout. The body is silver-brown with distinct mother-of-pearl sheen on upper flanks. The dorsal surface is covered with rows of small dark brown spots which extend onto the dorsal fins but not the head. There is a black blotch on the gill covers and the fins are translucent or dusky.
Distribution
This is an Indian Ocean species extending along the East coast of Africa to Cape Agulhas. Also occurs in the far east.
Feeding
They feed on worms, crabs, mud prawns and cracker shrimps, sea lice and bivalves. Spotted grunter are often seen with their tails waving out of the water on shallow banks during feeding. They use a pump action in the form of jets of water through the mouth to blow prey out of the sand. They inhabit shallow coastal regions, bays, brackish water of estuaries or sheltered lagoons and can tolerate fresh water. Tagging results suggest this species is resident. One individual was caught, tagged and re-caught 8 years later in the same place.
Reproduction
Spotted grunter spawn in open sea from late winter (July to December). The newly hatched fry and post-spawning adults make their way into estuaries.
Growth
Maturity is at 40 cm or approximately 3 years. They can attain a size of 80 cm and the SA record is 9,5 kg (greater than 15 years old).
Fishery
This is a fine table fish caught by surf fishermen and spear fishermen. Scientific knowledge of the population status of this species is limited. However, it is vulnerable due to its reliance on estuaries.
Management
Minimum size 40 cm
Bag limit 5 per person per day
No closed season
A recreational fish that may not be sold