Author: (Ogilby & McCulloch, 1916)
FBname: Coal grunter
Comments: Adults occur in lentic and lotic freshwater (Ref. 7300).  They inhabit clear, rapid streams (sometimes very small creeks) flowing over sand and mud; also in rocky pools.  Prefer the upper reaches of coastal drainages.  Water temperatures are always above 15°C.  Feed on crustaceans (especially prawns) and small fishes.  Spawning in the wild has been recorded in November and probably continues through to early autumn (March).  Eggs are guarded and fanned by the male parent (Ref. 205).  Sexual maturity is reached at a size of about 13 centimeters.  Juvenile coal grunter is attractive and popular in the aquarium hobby.  Closely related and nearly identical in appearance to <i>H. raymondi</i> from south-western Papua New Guinea (Ref. 44894).