Haemulon flavolineatum reaches 30 cm. Small grunt silver crossed with 6 to 8 bright yellow longitudinal lines, white belly, red-orange mouth interior. Lives in dense schools from 0 to 40 m under table corals, in caves and drop-offs of Caribbean and tropical western Atlantic. Nocturnal, comes out at night to hunt benthic invertebrates on sands and seagrass. Communications by pharyngeal teeth grinding (hence grunts). Iconic photo subject of Caribbean dives in tight schools.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the French grunt?
French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum) reaches 15–30 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the French grunt?
French grunt is found between 0–40 m deep.
Is the French grunt dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the French grunt?