Common name: Peacock grouper
General information
The Peacock Grouper, scientifically known as Cephalopholis argus, is a strikingly patterned fish that is popular among aquarists for its vibrant colors and interactive behavior. This species is also known by other common names such as Blue-Spotted Grouper and Argus Grouper. It is characterized by its blue spots across a dark body, which can change color to blend with its surroundings or signal its mood.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 40 cm (1′4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places and live food initially.
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live foods but adapts to frozen.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish and inverts.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially in small tanks.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperCephalopholis
- SpeciesPeacock grouperCephalopholis argus Schneider, 1801
- SynonymsBodianus guttatus Bloch, 1790Bodianus jacobevertsen Lacepède, 1802Cephalopholis guttata (Bloch)Cephalopolis argus Schneider, 1801Epinephelus argus (Schneider, 1801)Serranus guttatus (Bloch, 1790)Serranus immunerur Montrouzier, 1857Serranus immunerur Thiollière, 1856Serranus myriaster Valenciennes, 1828Serranus thyrsites Saville-Kent, 1893
Care
Peacock Groupers require a large aquarium with plenty of hiding places due to their size and territorial nature. They are predatory fish and should only be housed with other large, non-competitive species. A varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans is essential for their health. Caution should be taken as they can grow quite large and may eat smaller tank mates.
Reproduction
In the wild, Peacock Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging due to their complex life cycle and social dynamics.
Habitat
Peacock Groupers are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer reef environments and are often seen in lagoons and on outer reef slopes, typically at depths of up to 40 meters.