Haemulon melanurum (Linnaeus, 1758)
Cottonwick grunt
photo by Johnson, L.

Family:  Haemulidae (Grunts), subfamily: Haemulinae
Max. size:  33 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 550.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 50 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Bermuda, southeastern Florida (USA), and the Bahamas to Brazil.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Broad black area above line from dorsal fin origin to tip of lower caudal fin lobe, including upper part of caudal peduncle and both lobes of tail. Striking colored species, with a silvery body, black back and tail (Ref. 26938). With narrow yellow stripes, the broadest mid-lateral (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Inhabits clear inshore and offshore reefs (Ref. 9710) and adjacent grass beds, often in schools (Ref. 3798). Feeds on crustaceans (Ref. 3798). Marketed fresh (Ref. 3798).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning


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