Orthopristis chrysoptera

Behavior:

The pigfish is a species of grunt found throughout the Caribbean, but it is most common in the Gulf of Mexico and along the U.S. coastline. It can be found as far north as Massachusetts. Pigfish inhabit coral reefs, but they favor firm sandy habitat where they hunt for crustaceans and small fish, mostly during the night. This species undergoes seasonal migration, which appears to be related to changes in water temperature.

Predators:

Sharks, grouper, eels, snapper and snook.

Did you know?

The pigfish likely gets its name from the grunting noise made by rubbing their pharyngeal teeth – a behavior common in members of the grunt family.