Pomadasys multimaculatus (Playfair, 1867)
Cock grunter
Pomadasys multimaculatus
photo by FAO

Family:  Haemulidae (Grunts), subfamily: Haemulinae
Max. size:  76 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 20 - 50 m
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: east coast of Africa to Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Silvery, darker above; head and body covered with dark spots.
Biology:  Inhabits coastal waters (Ref. 5213). Plentiful in tidal estuaries (Ref. 2135). Not eaten around the Island of Mozambique because the natives believe it is responsible for leprosy. Others consider the flesh causes boils. Excellent food fish.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  other


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