Rubber-lip Grunt

Overview

The Rubber-lip Grunt (Plectorhinchus mediterraneus) is a marine ray-finned fish belonging to the Haemulidae family. It is primarily found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and parts of the Mediterranean Sea, where it is often observed in coastal waters.

Appearance

This species features an oblong, compressed body with a relatively small head, a long snout, and a slightly oblique mouth characterized by noticeably thick lips. Its coloration is generally a greyish-violet, with a lighter, almost white abdomen. The body is marked by paler stripes, including a faint, dark stripe that runs from beneath the soft-rayed portion of the dorsal fin toward the caudal peduncle. The dorsal fin is continuous, and the caudal fin is emarginate with pointed lobes.

Distribution & habitat

The Rubber-lip Grunt is a thermophilic species native to the eastern Atlantic, ranging from Spain and Portugal down to Namibia. It is also present in the western Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea. It typically inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms, where it is often found in groups.

Biology & behavior

This species is a diurnal, schooling fish that generally remains on its guard when approached by divers, though it is often indifferent to their presence. It is a carnivorous hunter that feeds on zoobenthos and zooplankton. Spawning typically occurs during the summer months, between June and August, with individuals utilizing energy reserves stored in the liver to support gonad maturation.