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Brassy grunt (Orthopristis chalceus) — Haemulidae

Brassy grunt

Orthopristis chalceus
Family: Haemulidae
LC · Least Concern

The Brassy grunt (Orthopristis chalceus) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 45 cm.

Length
45 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–60.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The brassy grunt is a marine fish of the grunt family (Haemulidae) of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a streamlined, deep body with a brassy, silvery sheen and fleshy lips. It lives on sand and gravel bottoms of coastal waters and feeds on small bottom animals such as worms, crustaceans and molluscs. Like other grunts it can produce grunting sounds with its pharyngeal jaws. The species is a valued food fish and is fished commercially. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brassy grunt?

The Brassy grunt has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Brassy grunt live?

The Brassy grunt lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Brassy grunt get?

The Brassy grunt grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.

Is the Brassy grunt dangerous to humans?

No, the Brassy grunt is harmless to humans.

Is the Brassy grunt edible?

Yes, the Brassy grunt is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bronsgrommer sourced
English name
Brassy grunt verified
Scientific name
Orthopristis chalceus
Family
Haemulidae
Other names
Humpback grunt verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
45.0 verified
Average length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-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
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
60.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Orthopristis

More from the family Haemulidae

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