Porkfish (Anisotremus virginicus) Care Guide
Anisotremus virginicus is a Western Atlantic grunt with yellow stripes and two black bars, found on Caribbean reefs.
Overview
Anisotremus virginicus, the porkfish, is a marine grunt of the family Haemulidae. It has a deep, compressed body with alternating yellow and silver stripes and two black bars: one running diagonally over the eye to the mouth and another vertically from the dorsal fin to the base of the pectoral fin. The species occurs on reefs of the Western Atlantic and Caribbean.
Taxonomy
- Family: Haemulidae
- Genus: Anisotremus
- Scientific name: Anisotremus virginicus
- First described by Linnaeus in 1758
Habitat
The porkfish is found in the Western Atlantic from Florida to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, and has been introduced to Bermuda. It inhabits reefs and areas of rocky substrate at depths of roughly 2 to 70 m. Juveniles occupy seagrass beds, while adults associate with reef structure.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 600 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Adult size: 20-35 cm (FishBase reports up to 40.6 cm in the wild)
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
Diet
The porkfish is a carnivore. According to FishBase, it feeds at night on mollusks, echinoderms, annelids and crustaceans. Juveniles act as cleaner fish, picking parasites from the skin and scales of larger species. In captivity it accepts meaty marine foods offered about twice daily.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, mid-water species that pairs during breeding. It suits large robust tankmates such as tangs and, with care, triggers. Small invertebrates may be eaten given its natural diet, and overly aggressive fish should be avoided.
Breeding
Anisotremus virginicus is an egg-layer that shows distinct pairing during breeding. FishBase notes the species has been successfully reared in captivity, though it is regarded as an expert-level breeding subject.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2011).