Grunts

Grunts, belonging to the family Haemulidae, are a fascinating group of saltwater fish that often captivate both novice and experienced reefkeepers. These fish are named for the grunting sound they produce by grinding their pharyngeal teeth, which is amplified by their swim bladder. This unique vocalization is not just an interesting quirk; it serves as a means of communication among individuals, especially during mating and territorial disputes.

Grunts are generally hardy and adaptable, making them a good choice for community aquariums. They are typically found in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly around coral reefs, where they exhibit schooling behavior. This social nature means they are best kept in groups, which also makes for an impressive display in a home aquarium.

In terms of care, grunts are relatively easy to feed. They are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. However, a diet rich in meaty foods like shrimp and squid will help them thrive. It's important to maintain high water quality and stable conditions to keep them healthy, as they can be susceptible to common marine diseases if stressed.

One of the most appealing aspects of grunts is their vibrant coloration. Many species display striking patterns and colors, ranging from bright yellows and blues to more subdued, but equally beautiful, silver and gray tones. This makes them a visually appealing addition to any saltwater aquarium.

Before adding grunts to your tank, it's important to consider their adult size, as some species can grow quite large. Ensure that your aquarium is spacious enough to accommodate their growth and active swimming behavior. Additionally, they should be housed with tank mates that are compatible in size and temperament to avoid any potential aggression.

Overall, grunts are an excellent choice for reefkeepers looking to add a splash of color and dynamic behavior to their aquarium. Their unique vocalizations, social nature, and striking appearance make them a rewarding species to keep.

1. 
   Common name: Panama porkfish

   Scientific name: Anisotremus taeniatus
2. 
   Common name: Salema

   Scientific name: Anisotremus virginicus
3. Common name: Blacktip sweetlips

   Scientific name: Diagramma melanacrum
4. 
   Common name: Painted sweetlips

   Scientific name: Diagramma pictum
5. 
   Common name: Equetus

   Scientific name: Equetus lanceolatus
6. 
   Common name: spotted drum

   Scientific name: Equetus punctatus
7. 
   Common name: Yellowstripe grunt

   Scientific name: Haemulon chrysargyreum
8. 
   Common name: French grunt

   Scientific name: Haemulon flavolineatum
9. 
   Common name: White grunt

   Scientific name: Haemulon plumierii
10. 
    Common name: bluestriped grunt

    Scientific name: Haemulon sciurus
11. 
    Common name: Two-spot banded snapper

    Scientific name: Lutjanus biguttatus
12. 
    Common name: Blackspot snapper

    Scientific name: Lutjanus ehrenbergii
13. 
    Common name: Bluestripe snapper

    Scientific name: Lutjanus kasmira
14. 
    Common name: midnight snapper

    Scientific name: Macolor macularis
15. 
    Common name: Bigeye emperor

    Scientific name: Monotaxis grandoculis
16. 
    Common name: Mexican goatfish

    Scientific name: Mulloidichthys dentatus
17. 
    Common name: yellowstripe goatfish

    Scientific name: Mulloidichthys flavolineatus
18. 
    Common name: goatfish

    Scientific name: Mulloidichthys martinicus
19. 
    Common name: Mimic goatfish

    Scientific name: Mulloidichthys mimicus
20. 
    Common name: Rosy goatfish

    Scientific name: Mulloidichthys pfluegeri
21. 
    Common name: rubia

    Scientific name: Ocyurus chrysurus
22. 
    Common name: Striped drum

    Scientific name: Pareques acuminatus
23. 
    Common name: Bicolor goatfish

    Scientific name: Parupeneus barberinoides
24. 
    Common name: Dash-and-dot goatfish

    Scientific name: Parupeneus barberinus
25. Common name: Yellow-threaded goatfish

    Scientific name: Parupeneus chrysonemus
26. 
    Common name: golden goatfish

    Scientific name: Parupeneus cyclostomus
27. 
    Common name: Cinnabar goatfish

    Scientific name: Parupeneus heptacanthus
28. Common name: twobarred goatfish

    Scientific name: Parupeneus insularis
29. 
    Common name: longbarbel goatfish

    Scientific name: Parupeneus macronemus
30. Common name: Pearly goatfish

    Scientific name: Parupeneus margaritatus
31. Common name: common goatfish

    Scientific name: Parupeneus multifasciatus
32. Common name: sidespot goatfish

    Scientific name: Parupeneus pleurostigma
33. 
    Common name: Whitesaddle goatfish

    Scientific name: Parupeneus porphyreus
34. Common name: Tailspot goatfish

    Scientific name: Parupeneus spilurus
35. 
    Common name: Indian Doublebar Goatfish

    Scientific name: Parupeneus trifasciatus
36. 
    Common name: Yellow lined sweetlips

    Scientific name: Plectorhinchus albovittatus
37. 
    Common name: Harlequin's sweetlips

    Scientific name: Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides
38. 
    Common name: goldenlined sweetlips

    Scientific name: Plectorhinchus chrysotaenia
39. 
    Common name: Gold-spotted sweetlips

    Scientific name: Plectorhinchus flavomaculatus
40. 
    Common name: blackspotted rubberlip

    Scientific name: Plectorhinchus gaterinus
41. 
    Common name: Striped sweetlips

    Scientific name: Plectorhinchus lessonii
42. 
    Common name: diagonal-banded sweetlips

    Scientific name: Plectorhinchus lineatus
43. 
    Common name: Painted sweetlips

    Scientific name: Plectorhinchus picus
44. 
    Common name: Ribboned sweetlips

    Scientific name: Plectorhinchus polytaenia
45. 
    Common name: Oriental sweetlips

    Scientific name: Plectorhinchus vittatus
46. 
    Common name: goatfish

    Scientific name: Pseudupeneus maculatus