Haemulon melanurum (Linnaeus, 1758)
Cottonwick grunt
Haemulon melanurum
photo by Johnson, L.

 Family:  Haemulidae (Grunts), subfamily: Haemulinae
 Max. size:  33 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 550.0 g
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 3 - 50 m
 Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Bermuda, southeastern Florida (USA), and the Bahamas to Brazil.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Broad black area above line from dorsal fin origin to tip of lower caudal fin lobe, including upper part of caudal peduncle and both lobes of tail. Striking colored species, with a silvery body, black back and tail (Ref. 26938). With narrow yellow stripes, the broadest mid-lateral (Ref. 13442).
 Biology:  Inhabits clear inshore and offshore reefs (Ref. 9710) and adjacent grass beds, often in schools (Ref. 3798). Feeds on crustaceans (Ref. 3798). Marketed fresh (Ref. 3798).
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Froese, Rainer - 17.10.90
 Modified by: Garilao, Cristina V. - 04.01.99
 Checked by: Garilao, Cristina V. - 26.03.98

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