Butlers Grunter - Wild Caught 10cm

Butlers Grunter

The Butlers Grunter is a robust, rare, aggressive, and surprisingly good algae-eating freshwater fish native to the rivers and streams of northern to western Australia. Its hardiness, size, and adaptability make it a great choice for a large native Australian aquarium. This species isn't as aggressive as other grunter species like sooty which means they can be considered for a community system. The Butlers Grunter is also known as the sharp nose grunter due to its long, deep but also streamlined profile which leads into the pointed face.
Their downturned mouth and large upper lip make them well adapted to rasping filamentous algae off surfaces which is why these fish would be great as an algae cleaner in large enough aquariums or tropical outdoor ponds. Juveniles often have lighter and may exhibit vertical stripes, which fade as they mature into a more olive-green body colour. Adult Butler grunters can reach up to 30 cm in length and are best kept as the lone grunter species in the tank with the option for other large native Australian species.

Breeding Butlers Grunters in captivity is challenging but potentially achievable with the right conditions. They are substrate spawners, and males can become highly territorial and aggressive during the breeding season. Providing a spacious tank with suitable spawning sites, such as flat rocks or large pieces of driftwood, is essential. The males will prepare and guard the nest site, and both parents may take part in protecting the eggs and fry.

Tank Recommendations for your Butlers Grunter
Given their size and aggressive nature, Butlers Grunters require a spacious aquarium with a minimum volume of 500 litres. A tank setup that mimics their natural habitat, with a sandy or fine gravel substrate, ample hiding spots, rocks, and driftwood, is ideal. They prefer well-oxygenated water with moderate to strong water flow. Maintaining water conditions with a pH of 6.5-8.0 and a temperature range of 22-28°C will ensure they thrive. Regular water changes and robust filtration are crucial to keep the water clean and suitable for these large fish.

Suitable Tank Buddies
Butlers Gunter are known to be an aggressive fish although they mostly prefer an herbivorous diet. They however aren't as bad as other species and can be kept with larger species that can hold their own.

Usually Compatible
Barramundi, Saratoga, Eel tail catfish, and other larger growing or predatory species.

Sometime Compatible
Semi-aggressive or larger growing South American cichlid species like Oscars, Jaguar cichlids, and similar fish

Rarely Compatible
Severum and other larger but peaceful fish along with anything smaller than the grunter which is sure to be easy prey or a target of aggression.

Feeding your Butlers Grunter
Butlers’ grunters, in general, are by far one of the easiest fish to feed. They will eat any aquarium food given to them all the way from pellets to frozen foods. Their diet should contain good quality floating or sinking pellets with high protein content. This should be supplemented with frozen foods such as bloodworms. One thing to note is that they are messy eaters so feeding flakes might not be a good option.