Scortum neili facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scortum neili |
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The Neil's grunter (also known as Scortum neili or the Angalarri grunter) is a special type of freshwater fish. It's part of a group called ray-finned fish, which means its fins are supported by bony rays. This fish belongs to the family called Terapontidae, often known as "grunters" because of the sounds some of them make.
About Neil's Grunter
Neil's grunter is a unique fish because it is endemic to a specific area. This means it is found naturally only in one place in the world: the Northern Territory of Australia. It lives in the East Baines River and the Angalarri River. These rivers are part of the larger Victoria River system.
Where They Live
Adult Neil's grunters like to live in small, shady streams. They prefer water that moves slowly over a bottom made of sand, silt, and rocks. You can also find them in deeper, rocky pools found in gorges. They need fresh, clear water to thrive. The water temperature they like is usually between 21 and 28 degrees Celsius (70 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). They also prefer water that is neutral or slightly basic in its pH level.
What They Look Like
Neil's grunter is not a very common fish. It often has one or two black spots on its body, which can appear in different places. It also has some faint, light-colored vertical stripes along its sides. A cool feature is a silvery stripe that runs just below its eyes.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
When it's time to spawn (lay eggs), the male Neil's grunter plays an important role. After the female lays the eggs, the male takes care of them. He guards the eggs and uses his fins to fan them. This fanning helps to keep the eggs clean and provides them with fresh, oxygen-rich water.
