Grunts General description

Grunts are a family of saltwater fish made up of 150 different sub-species, some of which have been successfully introduced to the aquarium hobby. They have front-heavy, laterally compressed bodies and are characterized by their ability to produce a distinct grunting sound by grinding their teeth. Most aquarium varieties of grunt are extremely colorful and this, along with their peaceful demeanor, has made them favorites among a significant number of modern aquarists.

Grunts are a family of saltwater fish made up of 150 different sub-species, some of which have been successfully introduced to the aquarium hobby.

Origins

Grunt are native to the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Color

Most aquarium varieties of grunts are highly colorful and come in shades of red, yellow, blue and green.

Maintenance and care

Grunt are a relatively peaceful species of fish and make excellent additions to most community tanks. They are able to exist peacefully with most other medium to large species of saltwater fish as well as other fish of their own kind. However, it is recommended that grunts be kept in fairly large groups because they can sometimes pick on and harass weaker members of a small group. They are also a relatively timid species of fish and should not be housed with overly aggressive tank mates. When housing grunt in a community aquarium, it is always advisable to introduce grunt to the tank first. It is not uncommon for grunts to spend a few days in hiding before feeling comfortable enough to roam around the aquarium.

Grunt require aquariums with large swimming spaces as well as numerous caves and crevices to hide in. In addition, most species of grunts are nocturnal and prefer to spend most of the day in hiding, and should therefore be fed only during the night.

Grunt are a relatively peaceful species of fish and make excellent additions to most community tanks.

Feeding

They should be fed on live foods such as polychaete worms, shrimp and other crustaceans. Care should be taken when housing them with ornamental crustaceans that they can fit in their mouths.

Breeding

Little is known about breeding grunts in the home aquarium. Grunts are pelagic spawners and do not guard their own spawns in the wild.

Aquarium varieties

Porkfish, French Grunt, Smallmouth Grunt, etc.

Photo credit: Brian Gratwicke/Flickr; cralize/Wikimedia