Common name: orange rockcod
General information
The Golden Grouper, also known as the Yellowfin Hind or Orangeback Bass, is a striking species of marine fish that belongs to the Serranidae family. Its scientific name is Cephalopholis aurantia. This species is admired for its vibrant orange to red coloration with delicate blue spots that cover its body, making it a visually appealing addition to any saltwater aquarium.
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
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May eat small fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive towards smaller fish
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperCephalopholis
- Speciesorange rockcodCephalopholis aurantia (Valenciennes, 1828)
- SynonymsBodianus indelebilis Fowler, 1904Cephalopholis analis (Valenciennes, 1828)Cephalopholis indelibilis (Fowler, 1904)Cephalopholis obtusauris Evermann & Seale, 1907Cephalopholis obtusaurus Evermann & Seale, 1907Epinephelus analis (Valenciennes, 1828)Epinephelus aurantius (Valenciennes, 1828)Epinephelus miltostigma Bleeker, 1873Epinephelus obtusaurus (Evermann & Seale, 1907)Serranus analis Valenciennes, 1828Serranus aurantius Valenciennes, 1828Serranus rufus Hombron & Jacquinot, 1853
Care
Golden Groupers require a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places due to their shy nature. They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and small fish. It's important to note that they can become aggressive towards smaller tank mates, so careful selection of compatible species is essential.
Reproduction
In the wild, Golden Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and have the ability to change to male later in life. Breeding in captivity is rare, but environmental stability and proper diet can encourage spawning behavior.
Habitat
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Golden Groupers are typically found in coral reefs and rocky outcrops. They prefer areas with ample cover and can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 60 meters deep. In the aquarium, replicating their natural environment with live rock formations is beneficial for their well-being.