Orthopristis chrysoptera
32cm
From 10m
287 sites
Haemulidae
The Pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera), a member of the Haemulidae family, is a common sight for divers and snorkellers exploring the warm waters of the Eastern Pacific, North Atlantic, and South Atlantic. Reaching a typical size of around 32cm, but potentially growing up to 46cm, these demersal fish add a splash of vibrant colour to the reef. While not the rarest species, Pigfish offer a rewarding encounter for those who take the time to observe them. They often congregate in small schools near reefs and rocky outcrops, where they forage for food. Keep an eye out for them in depths of 10 meters or more; they are easily spotted when the visibility is good, making them a fun species to observe.
Pigfish are easily identifiable by their silvery-grey bodies with distinctive bronze or copper-coloured stripes running horizontally along their sides. They have a moderately compressed body shape and a slightly pointed snout. The most distinctive feature is their yellow or orange mouth lining, which can be seen when they open their mouths. The dorsal fin is spiny at the front and soft at the back.
Bluestriped Grunt
3 sites
