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Pigfish

Orthopristis chrysoptera

Appearance

pigfish

Also known as a grunt.

  • Mottled light brown or gray body, often with a bluish tint
  • Many small orange and blue markings on body
  • Small mouth ends below front nostril

Similar Species: Pinfish, L. rhomboides (has incisorlike teeth; mouth ends behind front nostril); other grunt species 

Size: Up to 15 inches 

Habitat

Coastal waters

Behavior

Feed on small fishes and invertebrates.

Audible grunting is produced by grinding of the pharyngeal teeth, with air bladder acting as amplifier.

Additional Information

Popular as bait.

Recreational Regulations

 

Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles