Rhonciscus bayanus (Jordan & Evermann, 1898)
Purplemouth grunt
photo by Laaz, E.

Family:  Haemulidae (Grunts), subfamily: Haemulinae
Max. size:  51 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 1,580.0 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish; marine
Distribution:  Central and South America: Pacific drainages from Baja California, Mexico to Peru.
Diagnosis:  Body oblong, somewhat compressed, and not deep (depth contained 3.1 to 3.8 times in standard length); mouth large, terminal, and almost horizontal, its posterior edge located at the same level as the anterior rim of the eye; first gill arch with 7 to 9 gill rakers; dorsal fin notched, with 12 to 13 spines and 12 soft rays (XII-XIII, 12); pectoral fins short, not reaching distal edge of pelvic fins; second anal spine longer and thicker than third; back olive green; belly silvery; entire body iridescent (Ref. 55763).
Biology:  Benthic-pelagic species of coastal waters which may enter rivers (Ref. 55763). Apparently confined to fresh waters, ascending rivers with moderate currents (Ref. 9114). More abundant near the outlets of rivers and creeks, but not in brackish or marine waters. Reaches at least 640 m elevation and inhabits currents of low to moderate velocity. Feed on crustaceans and fish (Ref. 36880). Marketed fresh (Ref. 9114).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 February 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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