Grunts / Sweetlips :
courtesy to : FreshMarine.com
Grunts / Sweetlips belong to the Haemulidae Family. Grunts / Sweetlips produce a peculiar noise by grinding their teeth, with the sound vibrating in their Swim Bladder. Grunts / Sweetlips have thick lips and therefore the name. Fresh Marine offers an interesting range of Grunts / Sweetlips for your aquarium. Before skimming through them however, lets look at some of their key features.
Compatibility. :
Grunts / Sweetlips are Peaceful to semi aggressive in disposition. Do not keep Grunts / Sweetlips with aggressive tank mates such as, Damselfish, Hawk Fish, certain Angelfish, Triggerfish, Puffer Fish, Squirrel Fish, Soldier Fish, Groupers, Snappers, Goatfish, Large Wrasses, and Porcupine Fish. Instead, put them with peaceful tank mates, though they may prove a threat to Snails, Polychaete Worms, Ornamental Crustaceans, and Serpent Stars, present in a Reef Aquarium.
Habit & Habitat.:
Grunts / Sweetlips are found at a depth of 3 to 100 feet from islands in the Indian Ocean, East to Samoa, North to South Japan, and South to Australia. Though Hardy, these fish are shy in nature. Grunts / Sweetlips are Nocturnal in nature, that is, they hide in Sand, under Crevices, Ledges, among Branching Corals, between or under Coral Boulders, or at the bottom of an aquarium, during the day and come out at night for food hunt.
Morphology.:
Grunts / Sweetlips grow up to around 29 inches, and look colorful & cute as Juveniles.
Ideal Marine Aquarium Environment.:
Grunts / Sweetlips need high water quality with the Specific Gravity of 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, and Temperature within 72°-78°. Owing to their big size, Grunts / Sweetlips require large aquariums so that they get ample unhindered swimming space.
Aquarium Feeding. :
Grunts / Sweetlips are Carnivores and prefer to eat Mysis & Grass Shrimps, Worms, Small Fishes, Mollusks, and Crustaceans. Any lack of key nutritional ingredients may lead to the death of Grunts / Sweetlips.
Care. :
Grunts / Sweetlips are difficult to maintain and only Experts should handle them.
Now let us look at the Grunts / Sweetlips options from the Genus Plectrohenchus, available at Fresh Marine. Clown Sweetlips (Plectrohenchus chaetodonoides). Also known as, Grunts Sweetlips and Harlequin Sweet lips, Clown Sweetlips grow up to 29 inches and require a tank of minimum 150Gallons. These Grunts / Sweetlips occur in White color with Brown Spots over their Fins and the Anterior Body part. Their swimming resembles to that of Clownfish, therefore the name Clown Sweetlips. These Grunts / Sweetlips roll their Body and paddle their Fins to prevent themselves from their predators. These Grunts / Sweetlips look repulsive and bad tasting, which keeps their predators off.
Dogfish Orientalis (Plectorhinchus lineatus). Also popular as, Yellow-banded Sweetlips, Lined Sweetlips, Oriental Sweetlips, these Grunts / Sweetlips can be found on Coral Reefs and the Inshore Tropical Areas of the Eastern Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific. They have a unique feature of changing colors with their age. Growing up to 33.9 inches, these Grunts / Sweetlips require a minimum of 150 Gallons tank capacity. These creatures are Silvery White in color with Black Bands all over their Body. They have Yellow Lips and Yellowish Median Fins, with Black Spots or horizontal stripes, extending from Head to Tail.
Stripe Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus albovittatus). Also known as, Yellow-Lined Sweetlips and Silver-Banded Sweetlips, these Grunts / Sweetlips grow up to 20 inches and require a tank of minimum 75 Gallons capacity. Striped Sweetlips have a Silver Body with four horizontal Dark Brown Stripes and Yellow colored Fins. Striped Sweetlips have 13 Dorsal Spines, 17 to 18 Dorsal Soft Rays, 3 Anal Spines, and Anal Soft Rays up to 7.
Plectorhinchus:
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Plectorhinchus is a genus of grunts, the sweetlips, found in fresh, brackish, and salt waters.
Description and characteristics :
These fish have big, fleshy lips and tend to live on coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific in small groups or pairs. They will often associate with other fishes of similar species; several species of sweetlips sometimes swim together. They are usually seen in clusters in nooks and crannies or under overhangs. At nightfall, they venture from their shelters to seek out their bottom-dwelling invertebrate prey, such as bristleworms, shrimps, and small crabs.
Sweetlips colouring and patterning changes throughout their lives. For example, Plectorhinchus polytaenia develops more stripes with age. Juvenile sweetlips generally look quite different from the adults, and often live solitary lives on shallower reef sections. Juveniles may be banded or spotted and are usually a completely different colour from the adults of their species. Small juveniles have an undulating swimming pattern, possibly mimicking poisonous flatworms as a means of predator avoidance
Species:
There are currently 31 recognized species in this genus:
-Plectorhinchus albovittatus (Rüppell, 1838) (Two-striped sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus caeruleonothus J. W. Johnson & Worthington Wilmer, 2015 (Blue bastard)
-Plectorhinchus ceylonensis (J. L. B. Smith, 1956) (Sri Lanka sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides Lacépède, 1801 (Harlequin sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus chrysotaenia (Bleeker, 1855) (Yellow-striped sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus chubbi (Regan, 1919) (Dusky rubberlip)
-Plectorhinchus cinctus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1843) (Crescent sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus diagrammus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Striped sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus faetela (Forsskål, 1775)
-Plectorhinchus flavomaculatus (G. Cuvier, 1830) (Lemonfish)
-Plectorhinchus gaterinus (Forsskål, 1775) (Blackspotted rubberlip)
-Plectorhinchus gibbosus (Lacépède, 1802) (Harry hotlips)
-Plectorhinchus griseus (G. Cuvier, 1830)
-Plectorhinchus lessonii (G. Cuvier, 1830) (Lesson's thicklip)
-Plectorhinchus lineata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Yellowbanded sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus macrolepis (Boulenger, 1899) (Biglip grunt)
-Plectorhinchus macrospilus Satapoomin & J. E. Randall, 2000 (Largespot sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus mediterraneus (Guichenot, 1850) (Rubberlip grunt)
-Plectorhinchus multivittatus (W. J. Macleay, 1878) (Many-lined sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus obscurus (Günther, 1872) (Giant sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus paulayi Steindachner, 1895 (Zebra sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus pictus (Tortonese, 1936) (Trout sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus picus (G. Cuvier, 1828) (Painted sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus plagiodesmus Fowler, 1935 (Barred rubberlip)
-Plectorhinchus playfairi (Pellegrin, 1914) (Whitebarred rubberlip)
-Plectorhinchus polytaenia (Bleeker, 1853) (Ribboned sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus schotaf (Forsskål, 1775) (Minstrel sweetlips)
-Plectorhinchus sordidus (Klunzinger, 1870) (Sordid rubberlip)
-Plectorhinchus umbrinus (Klunzinger, 1870)
-Plectorhinchus unicolor (W. J. Macleay, 1883) (Sombre sweetlips) [4]
-Plectorhinchus vittatus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Indian Ocean oriental sweetlips)
Grunts & Sweetlips
Oriental Sweetlips
Baby Harlequin Sweetlips
Plectorhinchus lineatus
Harlequin Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides)
Grunts & Sweetlips species list :
Most Grunts adapt to captivity well, though special care is required for some species to start feeding. Small freshwater ghost shrimp work well to entice the fish in this family to start eating, from there frozen foodsspecifically for marine fish can be offered.
1-French Grunt
Scientific Name : Haemulon flavolineatum
Reef CompatibleWith Caution
Care Level : Intermediate
Disposition : Aggressive
Min. Tank Size : 150 gallons
Mature Size : 12 inches
Diet : Carnivore
Range : Western Atlantic
2-Harlequin Sweetlips
Scientific Name : Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides
Reef Compatible : No
Care Level : Expert-Only
Disposition : Semi-aggressive
Min. Tank Size : 125 gallons
Mature Size : 28 inches
Diet : Carnivore
RangeIndo-Pacific
Other Common Names :
Clown Sweetlips, Spotted Sweetlips
3-Porkfish
Scientific Name : Anisotremus virginicus
Reef Compatible : No
Care Level : Intermediate
Disposition : Peaceful
Min. Tank Size : 50 gallons
Mature Size : 16 inches
Diet : Carnivore
RangeWestern : Atlantic
Other Common Names:
Atlantic Porkfish, Canario, Catalineta, Mercador
General Description:
The Atlantic porkfish is from the Family Haemulidae, and fishes from this family are commonly referred to by aquarists as grunts. They are called grunts because they make a “grunting” noise using their pharyngeal teeth and swim bladder (some sweetlips “grunt” as well). Grunts from the genus Anisotremus, like the Atlantic porkfish, are known as the smallmouth grunts, and the Atlantic porkfish does have a very small mouth. While its mouth may be small, the Atlantic porkfish can grow to 15 inches in length. The adult fish will need an aquarium of at least 175 gallons with plenty of swimming room.
Husbandry Concerns:
The Atlantic porkfish inhabits rocky bottoms and reefs and so should be kept in an aquarium with plenty of live rock and a cave or two in which to retreat. This fish also appreciates plenty of swimming room, especially as it grows. While many grunts prefer to be kept with other members of their species, the Atlantic porkfish has been known to be aggressive toward conspecifics when the tank is too small. Do keep juveniles with other peaceful tankmates, as they can easily be bullied. If you plan to add an adult Atlantic porkfish to a community tank with aggressive fishes, add the porkfish toward the beginning of your stocking order.
Diet :
In the wild, the Atlantic porkfish feeds mostly at night on a variety of bottom dwelling crustaceans and other small creatures (e.g. echinoderms and annelids). In the aquarium, it will also eat small invertebrates including ornamentals such as hermit crabs. Juveniles are facultative cleaners and will pick parasites off other fishes. Offer the Atlantic porkfish a varied diet including meaty bits of marine flesh (e.g. raw table shrimp, squid, scallops, etc.) and prepared foods (pellet and frozen) for carnivores.
Mark's Species Tip :
Juveniles do not have the distinctive black bars or the yellow and blue stripes of the adult.
4-Oriental Sweetlips
Scientific Name : Plectorhinchus orientalis
Reef Compatible : No
Care Level : Expert-Only
Disposition : Semi-aggressive
Min. Tank Size : 125 gallons
Mature Size : 33 inches
Diet : Carnivore
Range : Indo-Pacific
5-Painted Sweetlips
Scientific Name : Plectorhinchus picus
Reef Compatible : No
Care Level : Expert-Only
Disposition : Semi-aggressive
Min. Tank Size : 125 gallons
Mature Size : 33 inches
Diet : Carnivore
Range : Indo-Pacific, Fiji, Indian Ocean
Other Common : Names
Black Dogfish
9-Striped Sweetlips
Scientific Name : Plectorhinchus diagrammus
Reef Compatible : No
Care Level : Intermediate
Disposition : Semi-aggressive
Min. Tank Size : 100 gallons
Mature Size : 16 inches
Diet : Carnivore
Range : Indo-Pacific
10-Twostriped Sweetlips
Scientific Name : Plectorhinchus albovittatus
Reef Compatible : No
Care Level : Intermediate
Disposition : Semi-aggressive
Min. Tank Size : 125 gallons
Mature Size : 39 inches
Diet : Carnivore
Range : Indo-Pacific
11-Captive-Bred Porkfish
Anisotremus virginicus
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Black, Orange, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Captive-Bred - USA
Family: Haemulidae
We are pleased to offer the Rising Tide Captive-Bred Porkfish, which originates from the Western Atlantic. Displaying a yellow head and fins accenting a silver-gray base with two black vertical stripes. They are a peaceful fish that make a wonderful addition to a peaceful saltwater fish only aquarium. What makes this fish even more appealing to aquarists is the fact that each Porkfish is captive-bred to help protect the fragile reef environments of the world.
The Captive-Bred Porkfish has other unique advantages over wild-harvested species. For one, the Captive-Bred Porkfish is very hardy and more accustomed to conditions found in home aquariums. Therefore, it makes a great choice for novices and seasoned aquarists alike.
A 180 gallon or larger aquarium with abundant open space to swim is required. Several Porkfish, in a school, would be suitable if there is enough room in the aquarium. In the wild these fish prefer to hover around reefs and prefers a cave or ledge for refuge. These fish have been known to occasionally pick parasites from the bodies of tank mates. Do not house the Captive-Bred Porkfish with aggressive species, and adults should be the first to be introduced into a community tank. They are not a good candidate for a reef aquarium, as they will readily consume any crabs, snails, shrimp and starfish.
The Captive-Bred Porkfish diet consists of a variety of meaty foods such as chopped shrimp, marine fish flesh, and prepared frozen food for carnivores, and vegetable matter.
These fish will arrive in their juvenile coloration. As the Captive-Bred Porkfish adjusts to the aquarium and matures, the adult coloration will be visible when the fish is approximately 4-5" in length.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4”; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3-1/2"
12-Jackknife Fish
Equetus lanceolatus
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 9"
Color Form: Black, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Sciaenidae
The Jackknife Fish originating from the Caribbean and is an interestingly shaped fish, with long dorsal and caudal fins. The formation of these two fins resemble a Jackknife, hence its common name. These fish are silver in color with a black barred pattern. Although they are not reef-safe, they are a wonderful fish for a saltwater fish only aquarium.
It requires a peaceful community in a 125-gallon or larger aquarium with a sandy bottom, and abundant amounts of live rock for both hiding places, and a supplemental food source. If incorporating more than one into the aquarium, be sure to add them at the same time to reduce the chances of aggression. It tends to hide during the acclimation process to the new aquarium until it feels secure. This species may consume crustaceans and other motile invertebrates in the reef aquariums.
Regular meals consisting of a variety of live items such as black worms and brine shrimp and prepared meaty items should bring it out of hiding. The Jackknife fish will comb the sandy bottom looking for worms, crustaceans, and small fish if it is hungry. It may even eat the occasional fireworm.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 4"
