The white grunt is found near mangroves, reefs, docks, and nearly any sort of structure in its range, which extends in the Western Atlantic from Chesapeake Bay through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico south to Brazil.

[4] The familiar "grunt" that this fish makes is caused by its pharyngeal teeth grinding in the back of its throat.

The white grunt is a silvery cream color with numerous yellow and blue horizontal stripes present across the body.

[5] Its head is long with a distinct snout, and falcate pectoral fins and a forked caudal tail are also present.

The average size of this fish is 6 to 12 inches,[3] and H. plumieri often changes its color to its direct surroundings, becoming accordingly paler or darker.

[8] The white grunt has minor importance on the commercial scale, but is somewhat popular with children and beginners as game fish,[9][4] and even experienced fishermen.