Fin's Fish Guide
The Smallmouth grunt (Haemulon chrysargyreum) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 23 cm.
Western Atlantic and Caribbean; coral reefs, at night sand and seagrass.
Description
The smallmouth grunt is a grunt of the family Haemulidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 23 cm and has a silvery body with several bright yellow longitudinal stripes and yellow fins. By day it forms dense schools above coral reefs, sheltering among the coral; at night it disperses over sand and seagrass flats to forage. As a bottom searcher it feeds on small zooplankton and small invertebrates. Grunts make a grunting sound with the pharyngeal teeth. The smallmouth grunt is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smallmouth grunt?
The Smallmouth grunt has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Bright yellow longitudinal stripes; forms dense shoals on the reef during the day and produces sound with its pharyngeal teeth.
Where does the Smallmouth grunt live?
The Smallmouth grunt lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; coral reefs, at night sand and seagrass.
How big does the Smallmouth grunt get?
The Smallmouth grunt grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.
Is the Smallmouth grunt dangerous to humans?
No, the Smallmouth grunt is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Smallmouth grunt edible?
Yes, the Smallmouth grunt is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Haemulon
More from the family Haemulidae
Want the complete picture on the Smallmouth grunt?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smallmouth grunt is one of 12,519 species in the app.