Bluestriped Grunt in Cozumel
Bluestriped Grunt (Haemulon sciurus) in Cozumel: how to identify it, where it is reliably seen, and what it is commonly confused with.
Bright yellow with horizontal blue stripes, and one of the larger grunts on the reef. They stack under ledges in tight groups, all facing the same way, and barely move as divers pass.
Quick ID
| Scientific name | Haemulon sciurus |
|---|---|
| Group | Colourful Reef Fish |
| Typical size | Up to 46 cm, usually 20–30 cm |
| Depth range | 2–30 m |
| When to see it | Year-round |
| Active | Night feeder; rests by day |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
How To Identify It
Yellow body with continuous blue horizontal stripes, and a dark tail and rear dorsal fin — the dark rear end separates it from every other Caribbean grunt at a glance.
Where You Will See It In Cozumel
Under overhangs and around larger coral heads on the shelf reefs. Paradise, Tormentos and Yucab all hold groups; often mixed in with French grunts.
Reliable sites: Paradise Reef, Chankanaab, Yucab, Tormentos, Paso del Cedral.
Behaviour
Rests by day, feeds at night on invertebrates over sand and grass. Like other grunts it makes sound with its throat teeth and will face off with another fish, mouths open.
If a group is stacked under a ledge, approach slowly and level — they part around a diver rather than fleeing, which is why they photograph well.
Commonly Confused With
- French grunt — Yellow stripes on white, and no dark tail.
- Porkfish — Two black bars across the head, which the bluestriped grunt does not have.
- Cottonwick — Black wedge along the back and into the tail, pale body.
Diving Etiquette And Safety
Keep fins off the reef and hands to yourself. Nothing here needs to be touched, moved or provoked to be seen well.
Part of the Cozumel marine life guide · see Cozumel dive sites · plan your Cozumel dive trip
Photo courtesy of the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program, used with permission.
Bluestriped Grunt Photos