Common name: French grunt
General information
The French Grunt, Haemulon flavolineatum, is a colorful and active fish species that is a popular choice for larger saltwater aquariums. Known for its distinctive yellow stripes and peaceful demeanor, it is a member of the grunt family, Haemulidae. The name 'grunt' is derived from the grunting noise these fish make by grinding their teeth together, which is amplified by their air bladders.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places and open swimming space
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet with meaty foods and veggies
- Social
- School Does well in groups, can be semi-aggressive
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be territorial, more peaceful in groups
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGruntsHaemulidae
- GenusGruntsHaemulon
- SpeciesFrench gruntHaemulon flavolineatum (Desmarest, 1823)
- SynonymsDiabasis flavolineatus Desmarest, 1823
Care
French Grunts require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and hiding places. They are social fish and do well in groups, so consider keeping them with other peaceful species. They are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, including frozen, live, and flake foods. Consistent water quality and parameters are crucial for their well-being.
Reproduction
In the wild, French Grunts are known to form large spawning aggregations. They are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. While breeding them in captivity is challenging, it is not impossible for experienced aquarists with the right setup and conditions.
Habitat
Native to the Western Atlantic Ocean, from South Carolina to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, French Grunts are typically found in shallow reefs and seagrass beds. They prefer areas with plenty of cover and are often seen during the day in large schools hovering above the reef, retreating into the reef's crevices at night.