AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Anisotremus virginicus
Porkfish
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A striking fish with a yellow body, two prominent black diagonal bands on the head, and fine horizontal yellow stripes.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Actinopterygii
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Perciformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Haemulidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Anisotremus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits shallow coral reefs and rocky bottoms in the Western Atlantic; juveniles often serve as cleaner fish.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Typically hides in reef crevices during the day and feeds at night.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Often found in pairs or small groups among reef structures.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Benthic carnivore / Cleaner fish (juveniles).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Generalist feeder; diet includes crustaceans, mollusks, and small invertebrates.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Pelagic egg-layer; spawning occurs in the open water column.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 40.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
50 g - 1.20 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.20000 - 100000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
1
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 8 Years
Females5 - 8 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Bold coloration patterns serve as recognition for reef inhabitants and aid in cleaner fish behavior.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Captured for the aquarium trade; sensitive to the degradation of shallow reef environments.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Juveniles are well-known 'cleaner fish', actively removing ectoparasites from larger fish.