Targetfish

(Terapon jarbua)

Provide an aquarium with plenty of rockwork, cracks, crevices and caves for hiding. Grunts are not reef safe and will eat any fish or invertebrate they can fit in their mouth. Grunts grind their teeth and the sound resonates in their swim bladder making a Gruntsing noice. Terapon Grunts tolerate a wide range of salinities often found in freshwater or brackish areas but mainly found in marine areas. Provide a diet rich in meaty based foods twice a day. Grunts may not eat prepared foods when first acclimated, try feeding enriched live adult Brine, Glass/Grass Shrimp or Black Worms. Juveniles are colorful but as the fish matures their coloration may begin to fade. Although Grunts may become territorial they should be housed with other peaceful tank mates. Can be kept as pairs in the aquarium. Provide a tight fitting lid as they may jump.

Targetfish are also sometimes known as the Jarbua Terapon, Crescent Grunter, Spiky Trumpeter, Thornfish or Tiger Perch . Not often seen in the aquarium trade. Targetfish are a light brown to silver color with a white belly, black horizontal stripes. The Targetfish can grow to a little over 10".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 100 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietLive FoodLive Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatPlantedPlanted
  • Light: LightHighHigh