Did you know that the French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum), a common reef fish in Fort Lauderdale, gets its name from the sound it makes? These fish grind their teeth to produce a “grunting” noise, which is sometimes heard underwater. They probably got their name originally because when fishermen pull them out of the water on a line, they are quite noisy. They’re also known for their striking yellow stripes and silver bodies, making them easy to spot while diving or snorkeling. They are very common, especially on shallow reefs and wrecks.
The addition of “French” to the name is believed to originate from its scientific description by French zoologist Anselme Gaëtan Desmarest in 1823. The French grunt is nocturnal, and they often form large schools. Their juveniles are frequently found in sea grass beds where they shelter and hunt for small crustaceans.