HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesPerch-like fishGrunters or tigerperchesTapiroid grunter Tapiroid grunter (Mesopristes cancellatus) Scientific name: Mesopristes cancellatus Cuvier, 1829 The Tapiroid grunter (Mesopristes cancellatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Terapontidae. Native range: Western Pacific, Ryukyu Islands to New Caledonia. BiologyDorsal spines (total): 11 - 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameMesopristes cancellatusFamilyTerapontidae (Grunters or tigerperches)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length23.0EnvironmentMarine; freshwater; brackish; pelagic-neritic; amphidromousClimateTropicalDistributionWestern Pacific: Ryukyu Islands to New Caledonia.Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: likely future useResilienceMedium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026