Common Name:   Grunter, Terapon, Thornfish, Crescent Perch

Local Name:  Bagaong (Tagalog);  Bugaong, Gunggong (Cebuano)

Max Size:  36 cm

Biodiversity: Marine, Brackish, Freshwater,

Depth:  1 – ?? m

Fishing Season:  All Year Long

Minimum Size Limit:  none

Recommended Bait/Lures:  Shrimp, small fish, crustaceans, small flashy lures

IUCN Red List Status:  Least Concern (LC)

Grunter caught on a lure

These are a relatively small fish that can be caught all over the Philippines from the shore or rivers that flow into the sea. They are most commonly found over sandy bottoms along beaches coastline and estuaries.   They can be caught on lures or live bait and can grow up to around a kilo in size.  They are known to make a grunting or croaking sound when handled and often will tighten their bodies and expose their many spines. They should be handled with care.  They are a fair food fish with a white flesh that retains a slight fishy taste after it is cooked.  These fish are not a primary target of sport fishermen and instead are often considered as pests. They are fun fish however for children to fish for as they will readily take almost any bait.

Surf Fishing in Cebu