Armed Grunt

Body elongate, compressed, and not very deep (depth contained 3.1 times in standard length); mouth small and terminal with fleshy lips; preopercle serrate and possessing a large, stout spine at the angle; dorsal fin deeply notched, with 12 spines and 12 to 13 soft rays (XII, 12-13); second anal spine longer and stronger than bird; back charcoal gray with blue highlights; belly pale; flanks with 7 or 8 narrow, indistinct, dark bars; fins dark greenish yellow (Ref. 55763).

Distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

Adults are found in benthic over soft bottoms of coastal waters. Also caught with trammel nets. Marketed fresh (Ref. 9114).

fisheries: commercial