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Carruco grunt (Genyatremus pacifici) — Haemulidae

Carruco grunt

Genyatremus pacifici
Family: Haemulidae
LC · Least Concern

The Carruco grunt (Genyatremus pacifici) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Eastern Pacific; hard bottoms of shallow coastal waters.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Pacific grunt is a grunt of the family Haemulidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a deep, silvery body with a yellowish tinge. It lives over hard bottoms of shallow coastal waters. As a bottom predator it feeds on small crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes. Grunts owe their name to the grunting sound they make with the pharyngeal teeth, amplified by the swim bladder. The Pacific grunt is a locally valued food fish marketed fresh and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Carruco grunt?

The Carruco grunt has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep, silvery body with a yellow tinge; makes grunting sounds with its pharyngeal teeth.

Where does the Carruco grunt live?

The Carruco grunt lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; hard bottoms of shallow coastal waters.

How big does the Carruco grunt get?

The Carruco grunt grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.

Is the Carruco grunt dangerous to humans?

No, the Carruco grunt is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Carruco grunt edible?

Yes, the Carruco grunt is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Carruco grunt verified
Scientific name
Genyatremus pacifici
Family
Haemulidae
Other names
Carruco sargo verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Average length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Eastern Pacific; hard bottoms of shallow coastal waters. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Deep, silvery body with a yellow tinge; makes grunting sounds with its pharyngeal teeth. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Genyatremus

More from the family Haemulidae

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