Porkfish (Anisotremus virginicus) is a saltwater, brackish species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 2–70 m.
Scientific name: Anisotremus virginicus · Water: Saltwater, Brackish
Size: up to 40.6 cm
The porkfish is a haemulid that inhabits reefs and rocky bottoms as well as mangrove areas, and it is recorded from 2 to 70 m. It feeds at night on mollusks, echinoderms, annelids and crustaceans, and the young pick parasites from the bodies of larger fishes; the young are popular aquarium fish. It is marketed fresh and has been reared in captivity. Maximum length is about 40.6 cm total length, commonly about 25 cm. It is a minor commercial species, a gamefish and a public aquarium fish, with a medium price category. Fishing vulnerability is moderate at 38 of 100 and resilience medium. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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