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Yellowstripe grunt (Haemulopsis axillaris) — Haemulidae

Yellowstripe grunt

Haemulopsis axillaris
Family: Haemulidae

The Yellowstripe grunt (Haemulopsis axillaris) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 37 cm.

Length
37 cm
Water
Saltwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The yellowstripe grunt is a grunt (Haemulidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, from Mexico to Peru. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a yellowish cast and fine longitudinal lines. Like other grunts it makes a grunting sound by rubbing its throat teeth, amplified by the swim bladder. As a schooling, bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand and mud bottoms for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Yellowstripe grunt?

The Yellowstripe grunt has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Yellowstripe grunt live?

The Yellowstripe grunt lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others

How big does the Yellowstripe grunt get?

The Yellowstripe grunt grows to a maximum of about 37 cm. On average the species is around 26 cm.

Is the Yellowstripe grunt dangerous to humans?

No, the Yellowstripe 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.

Is the Yellowstripe grunt edible?

Yes, the Yellowstripe grunt is commonly eaten.

More photos

Yellowstripe grunt (Haemulopsis axillaris) — Haemulidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Michael Verdirame, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Yellowstripe grunt (Haemulopsis axillaris) — Haemulidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Yellowstripe grunt (Haemulopsis axillaris) — Haemulidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Michael Verdirame, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Yellowstripe grunt (Haemulopsis axillaris) — Haemulidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Yellowstripe grunt sourced
Scientific name
Haemulopsis axillaris
Family
Haemulidae
Other names
Yellowstripe grunt; Axil grunt verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 Haemulopsis

More from the family Haemulidae

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