Trumpeter Perch

Handle with care

Pelates sexlineatus

Also known as: Six-lined Trumpeter, Six-banded Trumpeter, Six-lined Grunter

Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.

Description

Pelates sexlineatus, commonly known as the Trumpeter Perch or Six-lined Trumpeter, is a species of ray-finned fish belonging to the family Terapontidae (grunters or trumpeters). It is a relatively small, schooling fish characterized by its distinctive longitudinal stripes and a somewhat compressed body. This species is often found in coastal waters, estuaries, and sometimes in freshwater environments, demonstrating a degree of euryhalinity. It is a benthic feeder, primarily consuming small invertebrates.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape: compressed
Coloration: Silvery-grey to silvery-white body with 5-7 prominent dark longitudinal stripes running from behind the head to the caudal peduncle. The fins are generally translucent or dusky. Juveniles may have more pronounced stripes.
Scale type: ctenoid
Mouth position: terminal
Distinctive features: 5-7 dark longitudinal stripes on the body, Small mouth, Slightly compressed body, Spiny dorsal fin
Dorsal fin: Single dorsal fin with a spiny anterior portion (XI-XIII spines) and a soft-rayed posterior portion (9-11 soft rays), deeply notched between the two sections.
Tail fin: Moderately forked caudal fin.
Pectoral fin: Pectoral fins are relatively short and rounded.
Distinctive fins: Anal fin with III spines and 9-10 soft rays. Pelvic fins thoracic with I spine and 5 soft rays.

Identification Tips

Body Stripes

Count the distinct dark longitudinal stripes on the body. Pelates sexlineatus typically has 5-7, most commonly six, which is a key identifier.

Dorsal Fin

Observe the dorsal fin, noting the deep notch separating the spiny and soft-rayed portions. The number of spines (XI-XIII) is also diagnostic.

Mouth Size

The mouth is relatively small and terminal, not extending beyond the anterior margin of the eye.

Overall Shape

Its moderately compressed, oval-shaped body is characteristic of the Terapontidae family.

Habitat

Water type: brackish
Depth: Typically found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and lower reaches of rivers, from surface to about 20 meters (65 feet).
Environment: Prefers areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, often associated with seagrass beds, mangroves, and rocky reefs. Can tolerate a wide range of salinities, from marine to freshwater.
Geographic range: Indo-West Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Persian Gulf, India, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, and northern Australia.

Aquarium Information

Care level: intermediate
Temperament: semi-aggressive
Diet: omnivore
Minimum tank size: 150 gallons
Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
pH level: 7.5-8.5
Hardness: 10-25 dGH
Compatibility: Can be kept with other robust, similarly sized fish. Avoid very small or overly aggressive tank mates. May nip fins of slower-moving fish.
Special requirements: Requires a well-filtered tank with plenty of swimming space and hiding spots among rocks and driftwood. A sandy or fine gravel substrate is preferred as they may sift through it. Can tolerate brackish conditions, which may be beneficial for their health.

Wild Information

Conservation status: least concern
Seasonality: No specific seasonal fishery; caught year-round as bycatch or for local consumption.
Market price: Low
Commercial importance: low
Taste: Mild, slightly sweet
Texture: Flaky, white flesh
Cooking methods: Pan-fried, Baked, Steamed, Grilled
Nutritional value: Good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Key Facts

Euryhaline Naturebehavior

Pelates sexlineatus is highly adaptable to varying salinities, often found in both marine and freshwater environments, showcasing its euryhaline capabilities.

Schooling Behaviorbehavior

This species is known to form schools, especially when young, providing safety in numbers against predators.

Trumpeting Soundinteresting

Like other members of the Terapontidae family, Trumpeter Perch can produce a 'trumpeting' or 'grunting' sound, particularly when stressed or caught, by vibrating their swim bladder.

Benthic Foragerbehavior

Its diet primarily consists of small benthic invertebrates, which it sifts from the substrate using its small mouth.

Safety Information

Handle with care

Safety level: caution
Venomous: No
Edibility: edible
Handling notes: While not venomous, the Trumpeter Perch possesses sharp spines in its dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. Care should be taken when handling to avoid painful punctures. These spines can cause minor wounds and secondary infections if not treated properly.

Similar Species

Crescent Perch

Terapon jarbua

Terapon jarbua has distinctive curved, crescent-shaped dark bands on its body, rather than straight longitudinal stripes. It also typically has a more robust body and a larger mouth.

Small-mouthed Grunter

Pelates quadrilineatus

Pelates quadrilineatus (Four-lined Trumpeter) has fewer, typically four, longitudinal stripes and generally does not reach the same maximum size as P. sexlineatus. The stripes in P. quadrilineatus can also be less distinct.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Terapontidae
Genus: Pelates
Species: Pelates sexlineatus

Explore Trumpeter Perch

Identification Habitat & Range Aquarium Care Similar Species

Identify fish anywhere

Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.

Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play Continue onWeb

Open in app