Appearance
Also known as brown grunt.
- Gray to tan on back, fading to a white or silvery belly
- Yellow-brown stripe on side, extends from head to tail
- Black spot at base of tail (faded in larger individuals)
- Mouth lined with bright orange
Similar Species: Other grunt species
Size: Up to 10 inches (1 pound)
Habitat
Coastal waters
Behavior
Feed on invertebrates, plankton and algae.
Audible grunting is produced by grinding of the pharyngeal teeth, with air bladder acting as amplifier.
Additional Information
Easily caught on small hooks baited with squid or cut bait.
Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles