Pork Fish (Atlantic)

The Porkfish makes an entertaining addition to a larger aquarium. It has an interesting shape and variety of colors and patterns sure to please. Its large head is bright yellow and its tall body silvery contrasted with two black horizontal stripes when juvenile, and several blue stripes when mature. Large specimens also have two jet black bands across their face and yellow fins. It is often called a grunt because of the sound it can make with its swim bladder. Males and females are identical. The Porkfish grows up to 15 inches and should be kept in an aquarium of at least 200 gallons.

The Porkfish is a carnivore and should be fed at least three times a day a high quality diet of Mysis shrimp, chopped krill, silversides and other meaty items and some vegetable matter. It may also consume crustaceans, snails, starfish, bivalves and small fish. Lower light levels aid in initial acclimation. Aggressive tank mates should be avoided or the Porkfish may be forced into hiding. Plenty of hiding places and open room to swim help the Porkfish feel at home.It would be a good tank mate with other Caribbean fish such as the Jackknife or High-Hat. Several specimens may school together and can be kept together in a sufficiently large aquarium if all are added at the same time.