Blue Striped Grunt

The Blue Striped Grunt is one of the most recognizable and abundant reef fish in the Caribbean, instantly identifiable by its bold pattern of bright blue horizontal stripes running along a vivid yellow body. The inside of its mouth is a striking red-orange color, which is displayed during the characteristic 'kissing' behavior these fish perform as a form of territorial interaction with conspecifics. Growing to about 18 inches, it is one of the larger grunt species and a common sight on Caribbean reefs where it forms large daytime resting schools beneath coral ledges and overhangs.

In the wild, Haemulon sciurus is found throughout the Western Atlantic, from Bermuda and South Carolina south through the Caribbean to Brazil. During the day, these fish aggregate in large, tightly packed schools that hover motionlessly beneath ledges, inside caves, and around coral heads. At dusk, the schools break apart as individuals scatter to feed over seagrass beds, sand flats, and adjacent reef areas, consuming crustaceans, small mollusks, and other invertebrates. Their common name derives from the grunting sounds they produce by grinding their pharyngeal teeth, which are amplified by the swim bladder.

In the aquarium, the Blue Striped Grunt is a hardy and adaptable species that does well in large FOWLR setups. Its schooling nature means it is most impressive when kept in small groups, though this requires a very large tank of at least 180 gallons to accommodate multiple adults. It is a beginner-friendly species that readily accepts prepared foods and tolerates a range of water conditions. However, it is not reef-safe and will consume ornamental shrimp, small crabs, and other motile invertebrates.