White grunt
(Haemulon plumierii)
Classification
Species:
Haemulon plumierii
Genus:
Haemulon - Scaled-fin grunts
Family: Haemulidae - Grunts
Order: Perciformes - Perches
Superclass: Osteichthyes - Bony fishes
General data
Scientific names:
White grunt
Habitat:
Saltwater
Climates:
Tropical, Subtropical
Haemulon plumierii, the white grunt or common grunt, is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Haemulidae native to the western Atlantic Ocean.
It grows to a length of about 30 cm (12 in) and is a silvery-cream color, with narrow yellow and blue longitudinal stripes, but can modify its color somewhat to match its surroundings.
It is closely related to the bluestriped grunt and the French grunt, and often schools with these species.
It feeds on shrimp, other crustaceans, annelids, and mollusks, and is preyed on by larger piscivores such as barracuda and shark.
It is sometimes caught by anglers as a game fish, and its flaky white flesh can be eaten. It is also a popular aquarium fish.