Pigfish
Hogfish
Photo Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles
Family Grunts
Scientific Family Haemulidae
Scientific Name Orthopristis chrysoptera
Spanish Name Burro
ITIS# 169077
Tail shape Emarginate
Back elevated; snout long and tapering. Mouth a little oblique; maxillary reaching vertical from first nostril. Scales in oblique rows above lateral line and horizontal rows below lateral line, extending on base of caudal, pelvic and pectoral fins; also forming a low sheath on base of anal and dorsal fins.
Biology
Found in coastal waters, over sand and mud sea bottoms. Forms schools. Mainly active at night (nocturnal). Feeds on crustaceans and smaller fishes. Undergoes seasonal migration as well as local night-day foraging migrations
Appearance
Body Shape
Compressiform
Color
Main Color: Silver
Other Color: yellow
Other Color: yellow
Common Body Shape
Flattened side to side
Pattern
None
Length
Avg Length: 12 inches (30 cm)
Max Length: 18 inches (46 cm)
Max Length: 18 inches (46 cm)
Maximum Weight
1.9 lbs (900 g)
Specifications
Handling Concerns
Harmless
Conservation Concerns
None
Range in USA
NY-TX
Abundance
Very Common
