Panama Porkfish

Body compressed and deep (depth contained 1.9 to 2.3 times in standard length); mouth small and terminal with thick fleshy lips; dorsal fin with 12 spines and 15 to 17 soft rays (XII, 15-17); pectoral fins equal to or shorter than head, reaching origin of anal fin; lateral line scales 49 to 57; scale series above lateral line oblique; back golden yellow; flanks with 6 bright blue longitudinal stripes bordered with dark blue; a dark (brown or black) bar from the nape and across the eye; a similar bar from origin of dorsal fin to base of pectoral fin (Ref. 55763).

Distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

Found over hard bottoms of shallow coastal waters. Also caught with trammel nets and harpoons. Carnivore (Ref. 57615).

Found over hard bottoms of shallow coastal waters. Also caught with trammel nets and harpoons. Considered a valuable food-fish.

fisheries: minor commercial; price category: medium; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family