WHITE GRUNT
The White Grunt (Haemulon plumierii) is a subtropical to tropical perciform. It was initially discovered by Bernhard G.E. Lacepede, a French naturalist. The genus name was given because of the red gums of H.plumierii. This fish is closely related to the Blue Striped Grunt (Haemulon sciurus) and the French Grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum). The White Grunt is often seen schooling with those species. The familiar "grunt" that this fish makes is caused by its pharyngeal teeth grinding in the back of its throat. This sound is normally made when the fish is distressed or in danger, such as when being caught by an angler. The White grunt is found near mangroves, reefs, docks, and nearly any sort of structure in its range, which extends in the Western Atlantic through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico down to Brazil. It normally lives in depths similar to that of its relative, the Blue Striped grunt, from 0-30m in depth. The White Grunt is a silvery cream color with numerous yellow and blue horizontal stripes present throughout the body. The head is long with a distinct snout, and falcate pectoral fins and a forked caudal tail are also present. H. plumieri also has numerous dorsal spines and rough teeth. Unlike groupers or snappers, grunts have a strong fixed lower jawbone. The average size of this fish is six inches to more than a foot, and H. plumieri often changes its color to its direct surroundings, becoming accordingly paler or darker.