Description

Also known as Australian Slatey, Blackall, Blubberlip, Bluey, Grey Sweetlips, Painted Blubberlip, Painted Sweetlip Bream, Painted Sweetlips, Slate Bream, Slatey Bream, Smokey Bream, Sweetlips.

Found in large schools during the day, close to shelter, dispersing at night, hunting for food over deep lagoons and reef slopes.
They feed on fish and benthic invertebrates.
Juveniles found in shallow estuaries and lagoons.
Length - 90cm
Depth - 0-80m
Widespread Indo-West Pacific

In some areas of the world 'Grunts' are better known as 'Sweetlips' distinguished from other species by their very large rubbery lips.
'Grunts'because they "grunt," the grunting sound is produced by their flat teeth plates rubbing together and this is amplified by their air bladders.
Found either singly or in schools hovering or motionless over the reef during the day, becoming nocturnal predators. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/56923