---
title: Tigerperches (Terapontidae)
scientific_name: Terapontidae
common_name: Tigerperches
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T21:21:34.465Z
tags: Tigerperches, Terapontidae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/tigerperches
---

# Tigerperches (*Terapontidae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Terapontidae
- **Body shape:** Oval - Egg-shaped body, deeper than it is thick - damselfishes, surgeonfishes.
- **Species listed here:** 4

## How to recognise this group

- small to medium size, up to 30 cm
- silvery body with dark vertical bars or spots
- single long dorsal fin with a distinct notch
- found singly or in small groups

Tigerperches are a family of small to medium-sized fishes, typically reaching up to 30 cm (12 in) in length. They have a compressed, somewhat elongated body, usually silvery in colour with distinct dark bars or spots. A single, lengthy dorsal fin is deeply notched, separating a spiny anterior section from a soft-rayed posterior.

These fishes inhabit shallow marine waters, commonly found over seagrass beds, reef flats, and sandy areas, typically shallower than 15 m (50 ft). Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of small invertebrates, algae, and detritus. Tigerperches are usually observed as solitary individuals or in small groups, with juveniles sometimes forming larger aggregations. The common name 'Tigerperch' comes from the grunting sounds many species produce.


## Species (4)

- [Crescent Grunter (Terapon jarbua)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/tigerperches/crescent-grunter)
- [Fiveband Flagtail (Kuhlia mugil)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/tigerperches/fiveband-flagtail)
- [Fourline Terapon (Pelates quadrilineatus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/tigerperches/fourline-terapon)
- [Three-Lined Grunter (Terapon puta)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/tigerperches/three-lined-grunter)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/tigerperches)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*