porkfishes

Porkfishes are a small group of marine fishes belonging to the genus Anisotremus, which is part of the family Haemulidae, commonly known as grunts. These fish are characterized by their relatively deep bodies, prominent lips, and the presence of pores on their chin, which they use to detect prey in the substrate. The name "porkfish" is thought to derive from the grunt-like sounds they produce by grinding their pharyngeal teeth, a common trait among grunts.

There are several recognized species of porkfish, with the most well-known being Anisotremus virginicus, often referred to simply as the porkfish. This species is found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from Bermuda and Florida south through the Caribbean Sea to Brazil. They inhabit coral reefs, rocky areas, and seagrass beds, typically in shallow to moderate depths. Porkfishes are generally social and can be found in small to large aggregations.

Porkfishes are omnivorous and feed on a variety of small invertebrates, algae, and small fishes. They are often seen foraging in schools along the reef, using their sensitive chin pores to locate buried food items. In terms of appearance, adult Anisotremus virginicus are typically silvery with bright yellow stripes running horizontally along their body and a distinctive yellow patch on their forehead. Juveniles may have different color patterns, often with dark vertical bars. Porkfishes are not a primary target for commercial fisheries but are sometimes caught by recreational anglers. They are considered to be of minor importance to fisheries in their range.