Fin's Fish Guide
The Banana grunt (Haemulon striatum) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Description
The striped grunt is a grunt (Haemulidae) from the western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with yellow lengthwise stripes. It occurs along exposed outer and deeper reefs on semi-hard bottoms, to about 210 m deep. It lives in schools and owes its name to the grunting sound it makes with its pharyngeal teeth. By day it schools above the reef; at night it hunts zooplankton and small invertebrates. It is a food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banana grunt?
The Banana grunt has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Yellow longitudinal stripes; produces grunting sounds with its pharyngeal teeth; shoals above deeper reefs.
Where does the Banana grunt live?
The Banana grunt lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; outer and deeper reefs.
How big does the Banana grunt get?
The Banana grunt grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 17 cm.
Is the Banana grunt dangerous to humans?
No, the Banana grunt is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banana grunt edible?
Yes, the Banana grunt is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Haemulon
More from the family Haemulidae
Want the complete picture on the Banana grunt?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banana grunt is one of 12,519 species in the app.