By rubbing its teeth, the porkfish (anisotremus virginicus) utters grunts very similar to those of pigs (hence its name) as do all grunts, a family of fish to which it is a member. With its yellow coloring and its two black vertical stripes, the porkfish is the only grunt with such characteristics that inhabits the Atlantic Ocean. It is closely related to the grunt burrito (anisotremus interruptus) from the Pacific Ocean. This pair of grunts is believed to be a germinated species that would have been separated millions of years ago by the Isthmus of Panama.
     With a maximum length of 15 inches, the porkfish is a deep-bodied grunt with a blunt snout and thick lips. It has a higher dorsal profile than most other grunts. At its juvenile stage, it does not yet display its adult vertical black stripes but it strangely displays two horizontal black bars with a large black blotch near its caudal fin's base.