Common name: Yellowstripe grunt

General information

The Smallmouth Grunt, Haemulon chrysargyreum, is a tropical marine fish known for its distinctive yellow stripes and peaceful demeanor. It is a member of the grunt family, Haemulidae, which is characterized by the grunting sound they produce by grinding their pharyngeal teeth, with the sound amplified by their air bladders. This species is not as common in the aquarium trade as some other grunts, but it can be a unique addition to a community tank.

Care

Smallmouth Grunts require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and hiding places. They are schooling fish and do best in groups, which can reduce stress and promote natural behavior. A varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and quality marine pellets will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Smallmouth Grunts are known to form large aggregations during spawning, which usually occurs at dusk. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare, but if conditions are optimal and a large enough group is kept, spawning may occur. The eggs are pelagic, meaning they float in the water column until hatching.

Habitat

Smallmouth Grunts are found in the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, often seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters. They are typically found in schools, hovering over the reef during the day and becoming more active at night.