HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesPerch-like fishGruntsPanama grunt Panama grunt (Pomadasys panamensis) Scientific name: Pomadasys panamensis Steindachner, 1876 The Panama grunt (Pomadasys panamensis) is a marine fish of the family Haemulidae. Native range: Eastern Pacific, Gulf of California to Peru. BiologyBody oblong, moderately compressed, and not very deep (depth contained 2.3 to 2.5 times in standard length); mouth moderate sized and terminal, its posterior end located at the same level as the anterior rim of the eye; first gill arch with 20 to 23 gill rakers; dorsal fin deeply notched, with 12 to 13 spines and 13 soft rays (XII-XIII, 13); pectoral fins very long (contained 2.7 to 3.3 times in standard length), reaching origin of anal fin; second anal spine much stronger and longer than third; back gray; belly silvery; posterior angle of operculum with a very distinct black spot preceded by a green area.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific namePomadasys panamensisFamilyHaemulidae (Grunts)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length39.0Common length25.0EnvironmentMarine; demersalClimateTropicalDistributionEastern Pacific: Gulf of California to Peru.Conservation status (IUCN)Least Concern (LC)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries: minor commercialResilienceMedium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026