Scientific Name
Pingalla midgleyi

Common Name
Black-blotch grunter

Biology
Adults inhabit flowing streams in rocky, tree-lined pools (Ref. 5259). They occur in well-shaded, rocky pools in clear, flowing creeks, usually over sandy bottoms (Ref. 44894). Can tolerate temperatures between 23?-35?C and pH between 4.5-7.0. Herbivore (Ref. 44894). Feed on benthic algae and detritus. Spawning in summer (Ref. 2906, 44894); egg layer needing rock and plant cover (Ref. 6398). Eggs are guarded and fanned by the male parent (Ref. 205). Found in small aggregations in the wild and is believed to spawn during the middle wet season (December to January) (Ref. 44894).

Classification

Classified By

Allen & Merrick, 1984

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Perch-like fish (Perciformes)

Family

Grunters or tigerperches (Terapontidae)

Distribution

Region

Oceania

Distribution

Oceania: Endemic to Australia. Known from the northern coastal drainages in the Northern Territory; Alligator River, Katherine River and Daly River systems.

Range

12°S - 14°S

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

23 °C

Water Temperature To

35 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 4.5 - 7.0 benthopelagic

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 = 0.6250 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

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

Least Concern (LC)