Tomtate grunt
Caesar
Photo Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles
Family Grunts
Scientific Family Haemulidae
Scientific Name Haemulon aurolineatum
Spanish Name Jeniguano bocón
ITIS# 169058
Tail shape Forked
Silvery white with a mid-lateral yellow stripe running from eye to a large round black spot at base of caudal fin; a second narrower yellow stripe on back above lateral line
Biology
Lives on seagrass beds, sand flats, and patch reefs. Forms schools. Feeds on small crustaceans, mollusks, other benthic invertebrates, plankton, and algae.
Appearance
Body Shape
Compressiform
Color
Main Color: Silver
Other Color: yellow
Other Color: yellow
Common Body Shape
Flattened side to side
Pattern
Striped
Length
Avg Length: 7 inches (18 cm)
Max Length: 10 inches (25 cm)
Max Length: 10 inches (25 cm)
Maximum Weight
0.1 lbs (86 g)
Specifications
Handling Concerns
Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Conservation Concerns
None
Range in USA
MA-TX
Abundance
Very Common
