Bluestriped Grunt (Haemulon sciurus)

This fish is often found in large groups over coral and rocky reefs and drop-offs of the Western Atlantic: from South Carolina, down to Florida and the Bahamas, and into the Caribbean. They like to feed nocturnally on crustaceans, bivalves, and occasionally on small fishes. When fully grown this fish can reach about 16 inches long, but are usually seen in the 8 to 10 inch range. This fish matures between 2 and 3 years and lives up to 10 years.

As the name implies, grunts emit a "grunting" sound produced by rubbing together their pharyngeal teeth, which may also be amplified by the swimbladder. These sounds are produced during feeding and also as a flight response when the fish is captured, handled or otherwise distressed.