Appearance
Also known as a Key West grunt
- Light bluish-gray body with touches of bronze or yellow, fading to a white belly Horizontal, narrow blue stripes on head, ending at operculum
- Mouth is red and large
- Preopercle with black blotch
Similar Species: Other grunt species
Size: Up to 18 inches
Habitat
Coastal to offshore waters; juveniles found inshore.
Behavior
Make a grunting noise by grinding pharyngeal teeth together.
Feed on small fishes and invertebrates.
Additional Information
State Record: 15 lb 8 oz, caught near Key West
Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles