Reeflings

Common name: Peacock grouper

Scientific name: Cephalopholis argus Schneider, 1801
Peacock grouper off coast of BonaireCephalopholis argus fish in the red sea
Peacock Rock, Cod Cephalopholis argus, Coral Reef, Bunaken National Marine Park, Bunaken, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, AsiaPeacock grouper (cephalopholis argus) - coral fish - Red sea

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
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Groupers
    Serranidae
  6. Genus
    Grouper
    Cephalopholis
  7. Species
    Peacock grouper
    Cephalopholis argus Schneider, 1801
  8. Synonyms
    Bodianus guttatus Bloch, 1790
    Bodianus jacobevertsen Lacepède, 1802
    Cephalopholis guttata (Bloch)
    Cephalopolis argus Schneider, 1801
    Epinephelus argus (Schneider, 1801)
    Serranus guttatus (Bloch, 1790)
    Serranus immunerur Montrouzier, 1857
    Serranus immunerur Thiollière, 1856
    Serranus myriaster Valenciennes, 1828
    Serranus 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.