French Grunts

(Haemulon flavolineatus)

Provide an aquarium with plenty of rockwork, cracks, crevices and caves for hiding. Grunts also require wide open swim areas and a deep sand bed. They will sift through the sand looking for prey. Grunts are not reef safe and will eat any fish or invertebrate they can fit in their mouth. Provide a diet of meaty based foods three times a day. Grunts may not eat prepared foods when first acclimated, try feeding enriched live adult Brine Shrimp or Black Worms. Juveniles are colorful but as the fish matures their coloration will begin to fade. Grunts should be housed with other peaceful tank mates. Keep only one per aquarium and provide a tight fitting lid as they may jump.

French Grunts are also sometimes known as the Banana, Gold Laced, Open Mouthed or Yellow Grunt. Rarely seen in the aquarium trade. French Grunts are an overall blue to silver color with yellow stripes running diagonally and yellow fins. The French Grunts can grow to a little over 12".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 150 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium