Jolthead Porgy

Jolthead Porgy
Name: Jolthead Porgy
Scientific Name: Calamus bajonado
Family: Porgies
Taxonomic: Sparidae
ID Group: Silvery Fishes
Size: 1 - 1.5 ft.
Depth Range: On the reef (10 – 60 ft.)
Sightings: Seen sometimes

The Jolthead Porgy has a large head and a sloping snout. Its mouth is large with thick lips, and the corners are yellowish-orange. The eyes are large, with a thin blue line just below them. The body is silver but can change to display barred or blotchy patterns. It may also show yellow coloration on the head.

The Jolthead Porgy is usually seen alone as a large adult and prefers coral reefs and vegetated sandy areas, but it can also be found in much deeper water. It feeds on sea urchins, crabs, mollusks, and other hard-shelled creatures by jolting them off rocks with sudden, forceful movements.