Latin name

Haemulon sciurus

Other names

Spanish: ronco catire.

Identification

The bluestriped grunt is distinguished from all others by its pattern of continuous blue horizontal stripes on the yellow-gold body. The tail and dorsal fin are dark and dusky with a yellow tint. The other fins are yellow. The inside of the mouth is blood-red. It has 12 dorsal spines, 16-17 dorsal rays, and 9 anal rays.

Distribution

The bluestriped grunt is distributed from southern Florida through the Caribbean to the West Indies. Southward along the Gulf of Mexico and the coast of Central and South America to Brazil.

Habitat

The bluestriped grunt drifts along the reefs. It stays relatively close to shore in shallow waters ranging from 12 to 50 feet in depth. Juveniles are found in seagrass beds in bays, lagoons, and coastal waters.

Size

The average length is up to 1 foot, can reach up to 18 inches in length.

Life history and Behavior

The bluestriped grunt gathers in groups along the reefs during the day. If spooked slightly, it swims away quickly.

Food and feeding habits

Adults feed on the bottom at night over open sandy, muddy, or grassy areas, primarily foraging on crustaceans. They also consume bivalves and occasionally small fish.

Reproduction

No information