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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🌡️ Tropical

Sheephead grunt

Orthopristis cantharina Jenyns, 1840
Max Length
38 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.5
Depth
20–40 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
36.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Sheephead grunt (Orthopristis cantharina) is a ray-finned fish of the family Haemulidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 38 cm. It occurs at depths between 20 and 40 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Scientific Name
Orthopristis cantharina
Authority
Jenyns, 1840
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
38 cm
Depth Range
20–40 m
Trophic Level
3.5
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
36.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12. : fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Sheephead grunt is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 20 - 40 m . Tropical; 24°N - Central Pacific: endemic to Galapagos Islands.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.5±0.5

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01349 × L2.95 (TL)
Max TL
38cm
Dorsal Spines
12
Dorsal Rays
16
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
12

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2022

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
36.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.5
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Jenyns, 1840

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