pigfishes

Pigfishes are a group of fish belonging to the family Sciaenidae, also known as croakers or drums. The common name "pigfish" is often applied to species within the genus Orthopristis. These fish are characterized by their distinctive grunting or "pig-like" sounds, which they produce by vibrating their swim bladders. This sound production is a significant part of their communication and mating behaviors.

Orthopristis species are typically found in warm, shallow marine waters, particularly in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit a variety of environments, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rocky bottoms. Pigfishes are generally schooling fish, and their presence can often be detected by the collective sounds they produce.

These fish are omnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes small invertebrates, algae, and sometimes small fish. They play a role in their ecosystem by controlling populations of smaller organisms and serving as prey for larger predatory fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.

Commercially, pigfishes are not a major target for fisheries, but they are sometimes caught for subsistence or recreational purposes. Their flesh is considered edible by some. Due to their relatively small size and the habit of inhabiting nearshore areas, they can be susceptible to habitat degradation and overfishing in certain regions. Conservation efforts often focus on protecting their reef and seagrass habitats.