Solitary and found hiding in reefs and caves during the day . Juveniles appear in late summer and swim in schools. A nocturnal feeder on reef invertebrates . Marketed fresh .
Body compressed and deep (depth contained 2.0 to 2.1 times in standard length); mouth small and terminal with thick, fleshy lips; dorsal fin with 12 to 13 spines and 16 to 17 soft rays (XII-XIII, 16-17); pectoral fins slightly longer than head, reaching origin of anal fin; lateral line with 46 to 50 scales; scale series above lateral line oblique; body silvery yellow to green; large scales above lateral line with a dark anterior border, resembling spots; fins yellowish brown .: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Burrito grunt is currently being
reviewed.
🦐 Diet
aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus
🥚 Reproduction
🐣 Oviparous📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
Spawn Location
Pelagic
Fertilization
External
Distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 30 m , usually 3 - 12 m . Tropical; 22°N -
Mexico
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.5±0.37
🐠 Schooling🌙 Nocturnal🧍 Solitary
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.02512 × L3.05
(TL)
Max TL
51cm
Max Weight
3,600g
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
Salinity Range
30–40ppt
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2022
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
58.00/100
High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.5
Predator
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Gill, 1862
🎣 Angling Guide
Difficulty
Beginner
Fight Rating
strong pulls with head-shakes
Best Seasons
spring,summer,fall
Best Time
incoming tide, dawn and dusk
Line Weight
15-30
Rod Type
medium-heavy spinning
Hook Size
2/0-5/0
Catch & Release
✓ Recommended
Best Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Techniques
bottom fishingpopping corksoft plasticslive bait
Bait & Lures
live shrimpcut mulletsoft plastic paddle-tailspopping corks
Recommended Tackle
medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
30-50 lb braid
fluorocarbon leader
Where to Find Them
grass flats
oyster bars
marsh drains
deeper channel edges
Tips & Tricks
Popping cork technique attracts fish from distance. Fish moving tides.
Catch & Release Tips
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
Regulations Summary
⚠️
Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Burrito grunt is an edible species."
✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
Cloudy or sunken eyes
Strong fishy or ammonia odour
Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
BakingGrillingPan-frying
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
Nutrient
Amount
Protein
18.8 g
Omega-3 (total)
90 mg
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Burrito grunt has not yet been
assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g
- Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)