The blue-striped grunt is a medium-sized fish about 8 inches long, with a maximum length of around 16 inches. It has an oblong body with a dominant yellow color and numerous fine horizontal stripes of very bright blue. The tail fin and the soft-rayed part of the dorsal fin (the second section of the dorsal fin starting from the head) are entirely black with a pale yellow edge. The other fins are all yellow.
The blue-striped grunt particularly favors rocky overhangs
The blue-striped grunt prefers drop-offs or rocky overhangs
The inside of the blue-striped grunt's mouth is a bright red, earning it the common names « redmouth grunt ».
Geographic range
The blue-striped grunt is commonly found in the Caribbean sea and Florida. It inhabits tropical waters from the western Atlantic ocean, from Florida in the north to the coasts of Brazil in the south, including many Caribbean islands like the Bahamas, Guadeloupe, …
In the Gulf of Mexico, the blue-striped grunt is rarer and is mostly found in its lower regions along the Mexican coast.
Habitat
The blue-striped grunt usually lives in shallow waters, from the surface to about 100 feet deep. It forms schools of varying sizes along the coasts, in mangroves and seagrass beds, near coral reefs, and along rocky substrates.
It favors drop-offs or rocky overhangs.
Diet
The blue-striped grunt feeds on small crustaceans, bivalve mollusks, and smaller fish in seagrass beds and mangroves.
The blue-striped grunt is a medium-sized fish about 8 inches long
The blue-striped grunt has a dominant yellow color with numerous fine horizontal stripes of very bright blue
Its main predators are larger fish such as sharks and groupers.
Reproduction
The blue-striped grunt reproduces sexually and spawns in the Caribbean Sea from January to April. At birth, the juveniles take refuge in seagrass beds and mangroves.
Juveniles are characterized by a black spot at the base of the tail and broad longitudinal stripes.
Did you know ?
The common name « grunt » comes from the sounds the fish makes, which are similar to the grunts of a pig. These sounds are produced by the fish's throat teeth which are particularly well-developed.
The blue-striped grunt forms schools of varying sizes
Grunts are related to the snapper family but are generally smaller and have a more deeply forked tail.
The blue striped grunt is listed as many other marine species within The IUCN Red List of threatened species. The blue striped grunt appears in the IUCN Red List since 2016 within the category Least Concern !
Discover the dugong, a gentle “sea cow” of tropical waters. Learn about its habitat, diet, reproduction, morphology, and the threats facing this unique marine mammal.
Friday, January 23rd 2026
Dolphins: ocean's smartest creatures
Discover dolphins, the ocean's geniuses: explore their intelligence, social behavior, sophisticated communication, species diversity and vital role in marine ecosystems.
Friday, January 9th 2026
Hvar island
Hvar, a jewel of the Adriatic, captivates with its turquoise waters, wild coves and fragrant lavender fields. Between medieval villages, lively ports, and lush hills, Hvar island offers the perfect mix of relaxation, culture and breathtaking landscapes. Ideal for sun, sea and authentic experiences.
