Smallmouth Grunt in Cozumel
Smallmouth Grunt (Haemulon chrysargyreum) in Cozumel: how to identify it, where it is reliably seen, and what it is commonly confused with.
Yellow stripes on silver, a yellow tail, and a mouth noticeably smaller than the other grunts. They hang in tight groups in the shade, often more tightly packed than French grunts.
Quick ID
| Scientific name | Haemulon chrysargyreum |
|---|---|
| Group | Colourful Reef Fish |
| Typical size | Up to 23 cm |
| Depth range | 2–25 m |
| When to see it | Year-round |
| Active | Night feeder; rests by day |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
How To Identify It
Silver-white body with straight yellow horizontal stripes running the full length, all fins yellow, and a small mouth. The stripes do not diverge below the lateral line.
Where You Will See It In Cozumel
Under ledges and around coral heads on shallow and mid-depth shelf reefs, frequently mixed with French and bluestriped grunts.
Reliable sites: Paradise Reef, Chankanaab, Yucab, Tormentos, Paso del Cedral.
Behaviour
Rests by day and moves out to feed on plankton and small invertebrates at night. It takes smaller prey than other grunts, which is what the reduced mouth is for.
Commonly Confused With
- French grunt — Larger mouth, and the lower stripes run diagonally rather than straight.
- Bluestriped grunt — Blue on yellow, with a dark tail.
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.
Smallmouth Grunt Photos