Haemulon chrysargyreum
Smallmouth Grunt
Common Names
LC (Least Concerned)
IUCN:
Perciformes
Order:
Grunts-Haemulidae
Family
Distribution
South Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, south to Brazil,
Ecology
Juveniles inhabit over hard bottoms and coral reefs, while adults can be found near coral reefs in depths of 8 to 50 feet. It forages mostly during the night and stick together in large inactive school in shallow water during the day. Smallmouth Grunt generally feeds on zooplankton. Additionally, a protective mimicry between the yellow goatfish and the Smallmouth Grunt exists, which helps to enhance mixed schooling and therefore a better protection against predators.
Description
Yellow stripes are over the bluish silverly to silvery white background. Smallmouth Grunt have a smaller mouth than other grunts and differs in size from seven to ten inches.