PORKFISH + JAWFISH

Welcome to our Shipwreck Shoals Gallery. This first display is two separate tanks. In the front tank, many small fish can be observed. These fish are separated from the larger fish behind them. This front tank represents a thriving Caribbean reef.

PORKFISH

Juvenile porkfish can be observed here. The porkfish gets its name from the grunting noise that it makes which resembles the grunt of a pig. Like the common characteristics of all other grunts, they make these grunting sounds by grinding their pharyngeal teeth together, which are located in the back of their throat. This sound is amplified by their swim bladder.

These juvenile porkfish will help keep their fish friends clean by feeding on parasites found on them.

SWIPE RIGHT ON PHOTO FOR ANOTHER AMAZING FISH!

YELLOW-HEAD JAWFISH

While small in size, the yellowhead jawfish uses it's large mouth to burrow into the sea floor. It remains near it's relatively small territory, and is typically seen with only the head and upper section of its body protruding from its burrow. It will protect it's turf by occasionally spitting mouthfuls of sand at small intruders.

Male jawfish are also mouth brooders which means they incubate their young in their mouths until they are ready to hatch

While small in size, the yellowhead jawfish uses it's large mouth to burrow into the sea floor. It remains near it's relatively small territory, and is typically seen with only the head and upper section of its body protruding from its burrow. It will protect it's turf by occasionally spitting mouthfuls of sand at small intruders.

Male jawfish are also mouth brooders which means they incubate their young in their mouths until they are ready to hatch