Fish Identification Photos: Shining Grunt, Haemulopsis nitidus: The Shining Grunt has an overall silver appearance that is characterized by a dark spot at the beginning of the lateral line (as pictured below). It has a body depth (fish length divided by fish width) of 2.8 – 3.3 of standard length. The top and bottom head profiles are similar. The second and third anal spines are very short and about the length of the diameter of the eye.

The pectoral fins do not reach the anus. All of the fins are transparent with the exception that the dorsal fin has a black line at its margin for the spinous portion, which continues at the base of the rayous portion. The caudal fin is straight but with a significant black margin. Unique to this species, the dorsal spines and rayS are all short in length and the eye is low, extending into the middle of the body.

The Shining Grunt grows to a length of 12 inches and is generally found in the first 150 feet of the water column over sandy or mud bottoms.

The Shining Grunt might be confused with several other grunts including the Elongated Grunt, Haemulopsis elongatus; the Yellowstripe or Axil Grunt, Haemulopsis axillaris; and the White Grunt, Haemulopsis leuciscus. However all three have eyes at the top of the body, long dorsal spines and rays, and THEY lack a black spot at the beginning of the lateral line.

In Mexican waters the Shining Grunt is found along the Pacific side of Baja California south of Magdalena Bay, throughout the Sea of Cortez, and along the coast of the Mexican mainland south to Guatemala. However, it appears to be absent from around most of the oceanic islands.

The Shining Grunt is viewed as good table fare, but is generally too small and is not abundant enough to be of significant interest.

The Shining Grunt is a member of Haemulidae Family, made up of grunts known in Mexico as "burros."

Shining Grunt, Haemulopsis nitidus: Provided by a Mexican panguero bait salesman, La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in April 2006. Size 8 inches. A very rare species. Description and photo courtesy of John Snow.