Grunters

Jarbua terapon (Terapon jarbua)

The Jarbua terapon (Terapon jarbua) belongs to the family Terapontidae (grunters) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is an omnivore and usually seen in loose aggregations. It reaches about 25 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Jarbua terapon (Terapon jarbua), a Red Sea fish of the grunters family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameTerapon jarbua
FamilyGrunters (Terapontidae)
Common name (IT)Terapon jarbua
Common name (EN)Jarbua terapon
Maximum size25 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Jarbua terapon belong to?
The Jarbua terapon (Terapon jarbua) belongs to the family Terapontidae (grunters).
Is the Jarbua terapon dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Jarbua terapon endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Jarbua terapon get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 25 cm.

Explore the Jarbua terapon in 3D in the interactive atlas →