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Pigfish

Orthopristis chrysoptera
Managed by: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Regions
Florida
Protected status
None
Also known as
—

Species Profile

Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.

FWC
Size
Up to 15 inches
Similar species
Pinfish, L. rhomboides (has incisorlike teeth; mouth ends behind front nostril); other grunt species Size: Up to 15 inches
Appearance
  • Mottled light brown or gray body, often with a bluish tint
  • Many small orange and blue markings on body
  • Small mouth ends below front nostril
Habitat
Coastal waters
Behavior
Feed on small fishes and invertebrates. Audible grunting is produced by grinding of the pharyngeal teeth, with air bladder acting as amplifier.
Additional information
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Sources
Image credit: © Diane Rome Peebles