Scientific Name
Syncomistes rastellus

Common Name
Drysdale grunter

Biology
Adults inhabit larger streams rather than small tributaries, forming schools in rock pools and over sand bottoms (Ref. 2906, 5259, 44894). They retreat to crevices when threatened (Ref. 44894). Feed on filamentous algae by grazing on rocks. (Ref. 2906, 5259, 44894). Sometimes form mixed shoals with S. trigonicus. Breed during the late dry or early wet season (October to December) (Ref. 44894). Eggs are guarded and fanned by the male parent (Ref. 205). Aquarium conditions: pH=7.5, H=12, 26?C, egg layer, peaceful community fish, plant and rock cover (Ref. 6398).

Classification

Classified By

Vari & Hutchins, 1978

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Perch-like fish (Perciformes)

Family

Grunters or tigerperches (Terapontidae)

Distribution

Region

Oceania

Distribution

Oceania: Endemic, known from the northern coastal drainages, western Australia; Gibb and Drysdale Rivers.

Range

13°S - 15°S

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; benthopelagic; non-migratory

Trophic Level

2 s.e. 0.00 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

15.0 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5625 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Low to moderate vulnerability (26 of 100)

Resilience

High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Lower Risk: near threatened (LR/nt)