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Scalyfin grunt (Haemulon squamipinna) — Haemulidae

Scalyfin grunt

Haemulon squamipinna
Family: Haemulidae

The Scalyfin grunt (Haemulon squamipinna) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
19.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–30.0 m
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

The scalyfin grunt is a grunt (Haemulidae) from coastal waters of the western Atlantic, off northeastern Brazil. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with yellow longitudinal lines. As a bottom-oriented fish it shelters by day in schools around coral and rocky reefs and searches sand flats for small crustaceans and worms at night. The name grunt refers to sounds it makes with its throat teeth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Scalyfin grunt?

The Scalyfin grunt has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Scalyfin grunt live?

The Scalyfin grunt lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil

How big does the Scalyfin grunt get?

The Scalyfin grunt grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Scalyfin grunt dangerous to humans?

No, the Scalyfin 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

Scalyfin grunt (Haemulon squamipinna) — Haemulidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Felipe C. Balbino Santos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Scalyfin grunt (Haemulon squamipinna) — Haemulidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Felipe C. Balbino Santos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Scalyfin grunt (Haemulon squamipinna) — Haemulidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Nereston (Nelinho) Camargo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Scalyfin grunt (Haemulon squamipinna) — Haemulidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Nereston (Nelinho) Camargo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Scalyfin grunt sourced
Scientific name
Haemulon squamipinna
Family
Haemulidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Brazil sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
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
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 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 Haemulon

More from the family Haemulidae

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