ANIMAL: Smallmouth Grunt Haemulon chrysargyreum Type of Animal: Grunt Habitat: Found from surface to 137.8 ft deep-reefs, rocky areas, seagrass beds, hard bottom areas, rocky coasts, elkhorn/staghorn coral areas, open waters Location(s): W Atlantic from S Florida through Gulf of Mexico & Caribbean all way to Brazil Appearance: Rather small fish w/ bluish-silver or silver-white body color w/ 5 or 6 yellow stripes, laterally compressed body, forked tail fin, all fins besides pectoral fins have yellow on them, short snout, almost horizontal mouth Food/Diet: Plankton, shrimp, worms, crabs, snails, bivalves, small fish Status in Wild: Stable Conservation: Breeding in aquariums & aquaculture Lifestyle: Schools of 20-750 fish Additional Info: Called: Male Female Young: Fry Group: School Weight: 2.6 oz Gestation: 4-5 months Life Span: 10 years Body Length: 6.6 in Main predators are trumpetfish, grouper, snapper, sharks, lionfish, tuna, dolphinfish, & jacks. These fish often associate w/ schools of yellow goatfish. Both species have similar coloration & schooling behavior. These associations form of protective mimicry, protecting both species from visually oriented predators. These fish feed at night. Uncommon in aquarium trade tending to be more popular in public aquariums. These fish lay eggs in open water. These fish tend to be unbothered by divers. Fun Fact(s): Like other grunts, they produce grunting sound by grinding teeth together. Also called Bronze Grunt, Yellowstripe Grunt, & Banana Grunt. This fish said to have mild delicate sweet flavor w/ flaky white flesh. Like their namesake, their mouths smaller compared to other grunts.
