Burrito grunt
(Anisotremus interruptus)
General data
The burrito grunt (Anisotremus interruptus) is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a grunt belonging to the family Haemulidae. It is native to the tropical waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean area.
The burrito grunt has a deep, compressed body with a high back. The head is short and blunt with a small, low, horizontal mouth which has fleshy lips and jaws which are equipped with bands of teeth. The outer band of teeth are conical in shape.
The back is silvery, yellowish brown fading to cream or white in the underparts. The scales on the flanks have dark centres creating a spotted effect with yellowish fins. The dorsal fin is continuous but has a deep notch. The dorsal fin has 12-13 spines, the fourth being longer than the rest, and 16-17 rays while the anal fin contains 3 spines, with the second being notably robust and long, and 8-9 soft rays. The pectoral fins are long, extending to the origin of the anal fins. The caudal fin is forked.
This species attains a maximum total length of 51 cm (20 in), although 30 cm (12 in) is more common. The largest weight recorded is 4.53 kg (10.0 lb).
Distribution
The burrito grunt is found in the eastern Pacific Oceans from central Baja and the Gulf of California to Peru and the Galapagos Islands, Cocos Island, Malpelo Island and the Revillagigedo Islands, it is, however, absent from Clipperton Island.
