Haemulopsis elongatus (Steindachner, 1879)
Elongate grunt
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Haemulidae (Grunts), subfamily: Haemulinae
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: Mazatlan, Mexico to Panama.
Diagnosis:  Robust somewhat compressed and not very deep body (from 2.8 to 3.0 times in the standard length). Very small and terminal mouth whose posterior edge is located in front of the anterior edge of the eye. The profile of the head is straight. Has 19 to 21 rakers in the first gill arch. The dorsal fins is very notched with 12 spines and 14 to 15 soft rays (XII, 14-15). The second anal fin is stronger but shorter than the third. When plied the third spine never surpasses the base of the last anal ray; Opaque gray body wit a lighter belly. The axilla of the pectoral fins and the upper edge of the operculum are black (Ref. 55763).
Biology:  Found over sandy or muddy bottoms of coastal waters (Ref. 9114).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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