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Forbes's grunt (Orthopristis forbesi) — Haemulidae

Forbes's grunt

Orthopristis forbesi
Family: Haemulidae

The Forbes's grunt (Orthopristis forbesi) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 31 cm.

Length
30.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–30.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Galapagos Is.

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Description

Forbes's grunt is a grunt (Haemulidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, around the Galapagos and adjacent islands. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a deep, silvery body with fine markings. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches rocky and coral reefs and sand flats for small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The name grunt refers to sounds it makes with its throat teeth. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Forbes's grunt?

The Forbes's grunt has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Forbes's grunt live?

The Forbes's grunt lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Galapagos Is.

How big does the Forbes's grunt get?

The Forbes's grunt grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.

Is the Forbes's grunt dangerous to humans?

No, the Forbes's 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.

More photos

Forbes's grunt (Orthopristis forbesi) — Haemulidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Hectonichus (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Forbes's grunt (Orthopristis forbesi) — Haemulidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Billy Bensted-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Forbes's grunt (Orthopristis forbesi) — Haemulidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Billy Bensted-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Forbes's grunt (Orthopristis forbesi) — Haemulidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Sheldon Logan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Forbes's grunt sourced
Scientific name
Orthopristis forbesi
Family
Haemulidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Galapagos Is. sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Orthopristis

More from the family Haemulidae

Fin

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