Fin's Fish Guide
The Brassy grunt (Microlepidotus brevipinnis) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The brassy grunt is a grunt from the eastern Pacific, off the coast of Central America. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a deep, silvery body with fine golden longitudinal lines. Grunts owe their name to the grunting sound they make by rubbing their throat teeth. As a schooling fish it lives over rocky and sandy bottoms of shallow coastal water and hunts small crustaceans, worms and fish. It is a local food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brassy grunt?
The Brassy grunt has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Makes growling sounds with the pharyngeal teeth; schooling coastal grunt
Where does the Brassy grunt live?
The Brassy grunt lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Brassy grunt get?
The Brassy grunt grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Brassy grunt dangerous to humans?
No, the Brassy grunt is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Brassy grunt edible?
Yes, the Brassy 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 Microlepidotus
More from the family Haemulidae
Want the complete picture on the Brassy grunt?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brassy grunt is one of 12,519 species in the app.