Pigfish
Orthopristis chrysoptera
Pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera) is a small marine grunt common on the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It lives over sandy and grassy bottoms, often in schools, and is known for a pig-like grunting sound when handled.
Identification points
- Silvery body with a pinkish-golden sheen and faint yellowish tones
- Several narrow bronze oblique stripes running diagonally down the sides
- Small downward mouth and deeply notched, grunt-like profile with a slightly forked tail
Habitat
Shallow coastal saltwater over sand, shell, seagrass beds, oyster bars, and near inlets; commonly around piers, flats, and back bays from the surf zone to deeper nearshore water.
Bait notes
Takes small natural baits such as shrimp pieces, bloodworms, sand fleas, squid strips, and cut clams. Small jigheads with soft plastics, small shrimp imitations, and tiny spoons can also work.
Behavior
Schooling bottom-feeder that roots for small crustaceans, worms, and mollusks with a downward-pointing mouth. Often feeds actively at dawn, dusk, and on moving tide, and readily makes a grunting sound when captured.
Caution
Sharp gill covers can nick hands when unhooking; handle carefully. This is a small food fish, but check local size/bag rules and any advisory if eating fish from polluted estuaries.
Fishing notes
Fish light tackle on the bottom with a small sinker or jig, especially along grassy edges, oyster bars, and tidal channels. Use short casts, keep baits near bottom, and expect pecking bites from schooling fish.