[uNGu]™ Fish : Targetfish (Terapon jarbua)

Targetfish
Targetfish
Species	Terapon jarbua
Family	Terapontidae
Difficulty	Moderate
Min. Tank Size	946.353 liters 946,352.945 mL 250 US Gallons (946.4L)
Size	14.173 in 30-36 cm (11.8-14.2")
sg	1.002 - 1.025
pH	7.8 - 8.2
Temp.	297.15 K 75.2 °F 534.87 °R 301.15 K 82.4 °F 542.07 °R24 -28 °C (75.2-82.4°F)
Water Hardness	8-12 °d
Stocking Ratio	1:2 M:F
Availability	Uncommon
Diet	Omnivore Pellet Foods Flake Foods Live Foods Other (See article)
Life Span	5-10 years
Habitat	Indo-Pacific

Alternative names

Targetfish, Thornfish, Crescent Grunter, Crescent Perch, Crescent-Banded Grunter, Crescent-Banded Tigerfish, Jarbua, Jarbua Terapon, Spiky Trumpeter, Squeaking Perch, Threestripe Tigerfish, Tiger Perch

[edit] Sexing

Unknown

[edit] Tank compatibility

Should only be mixed with large brackish fish, such as Monodactylus and Toxotes. Caution should be taken even with large fish because they are scale nippers and do extensive, but not deadly damage to broad bodied non-aggressive fish like Scats.

[edit] Diet

In the wild, feeds on fish, invertebrates, and detritus, but will accept pellets in captivity.

[edit] Feeding regime

Once or twice a day on dry foods and frozen foods, every other day on meaty foods.

[edit] Environment Specifics

Keep in brackish water, SG around 1.002 to 1.007; and hard, alkaline water. Temperature around 24-28°C (75.2-82.4°F) . The SG can go to full seawater strength up to 1.025.

[edit] Behaviour

May be predatory towards smaller tank mates, as well as occasional nipping of other fish. Will eat fish 1/4 to 1/3 their size!

[edit] Identification

Mostly silver, with almost curved bands running horizontally across the sides; looking like an archery target from above. Tail banded with black. Large, sharp dorsal fins. Not to be confused with Terapon theraps, which has completely straight lines across the flanks.