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Panama grunt (Pomadasys panamensis) — Haemulidae

Panama grunt

Pomadasys panamensis
Family: Haemulidae

The Panama grunt (Pomadasys panamensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 43 cm.

Length
43 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Panama grunt is a grunt of the family Haemulidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 43 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body. It inhabits coastal waters over sand and mud bottoms and sometimes enters estuaries. As a bottom predator it feeds on small crustaceans, worms, molluscs and small fishes. Grunts owe their name to the grunting sound they make with the pharyngeal teeth, amplified by the swim bladder. The Panama grunt is a valued food and bycatch fish. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Panama grunt?

The Panama grunt has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Panama grunt live?

The Panama grunt lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Panama grunt get?

The Panama grunt grows to a maximum of about 43 cm.

Is the Panama grunt dangerous to humans?

No, the Panama grunt is harmless to humans.

Is the Panama grunt edible?

Yes, the Panama grunt is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Panama-grommer sourced
English name
Panama grunt sourced
Scientific name
Pomadasys panamensis
Family
Haemulidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
43 sourced
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pomadasys

More from the family Haemulidae

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