Pomadasys maculatus (Bloch, 1793)
Saddle grunt
photo by Bogorodsky, S.V.

Family:  Haemulidae (Grunts), subfamily: Haemulinae
Max. size:  59.3 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 3,200.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 20 - 110 m, amphidromous
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: throughout the Indian Ocean (Ref. 11441) and the western Pacific, north to China, south to Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7. Small-sized fish of moderately deep body. Isthmus narrow, forming a groove. Chin with 2 pairs or small pores. This species is characterized by several dark large elongate blotches on the upper back, one forming a saddle on the nape.
Biology:  Found in coastal waters over sand near reefs. Feeds on crustaceans and fishes (Ref. 5213). Edible but spoils easily.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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