Scientific name : Haemulon melanurum
Family : Haemulidae
Size : Up to 33 cm
Distribution : Caribbean coasts, from Florida to Brazil
Biology : The cottonwick grunt forms compact schools to protect itself from predators. It frequently associates with other grunt species, such as the yellow grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum).
Juveniles mainly take refuge in mangroves, highlighting the essential role of these habitats as nursery areas.
IUCN status : Least concern