The pork fish, scientifically known as Anisotremus virginicus, is a colorful marine fish commonly found in the tropical Western Atlantic, particularly around the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. It’s recognizable by its bright yellow body with two distinctive black vertical bars near the head and eyes, giving it a bold, striped look. The name “pork fish” likely comes from the grunting sounds it produces by grinding its teeth, which resembles the sound made by pigs.
Pork fish are part of the grunt family (Haemulidae), and like other grunts, they use their pharyngeal teeth to make noises, especially when startled or communicating. They typically grow to about 8 to 12 inches in length, although some can reach around 16 inches. These fish often swim in small schools near coral reefs, where they feed on a diet of small invertebrates, such as crustaceans and worms.
This specimen is 8″
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