Pomadasys

Pomadasys is a genus of grunt fish in the family Haemulidae. These fish are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They are characterized by their elongated bodies, large mouths, and often brightly colored patterns. The name "grunt" comes from the audible noise they produce by rubbing their pharyngeal teeth together.

Species within the Pomadasys genus are generally small to medium-sized, typically ranging from 15 to 50 centimeters in length. They inhabit a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds. Many species are demersal, meaning they live and feed near the bottom. Their diet consists mainly of invertebrates such as crustaceans and mollusks, as well as small fish.

Pomadasys fish are often schooling species, and their vibrant colors can serve as camouflage or for species recognition. They are not typically targeted by commercial fisheries but are sometimes caught by artisanal fishermen. Some species are also popular in the aquarium trade due to their attractive appearance. The genus includes several well-known species such as the spotted grunt (Pomadasys maculatus) and the striped grunt (Pomadasys taeniatus). Their reproductive strategies vary, but many are oviparous, releasing eggs into the water column.