Why Do Pig Fish Have the Most Powerful Jaws in the Sea

The pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera) is a species of marine fish belonging to the grunt family, Haemulidae. It is native to the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the northeastern United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Pigfish are named for the pig-like grunting sound they produce, which is created by grinding their pharyngeal teeth and amplified by their swim bladder. They typically inhabit shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and seagrass beds, where they feed on small crustaceans, worms, and mollusks. Pigfish have an elongated, compressed body with a silver-gray to bluish coloration, accented by brassy or golden streaks. They generally reach lengths of 10–14 inches (25–35 cm) and are prized as both baitfish for larger predators and a minor food source for humans.