Common name: Coral grouper
General information
The Coral Hind, scientifically known as Cephalopholis miniata, is a vibrant and popular marine fish among aquarists. Its striking coloration, with a bright red to orange body and blue spots, makes it a standout in any aquarium. This species is part of the Serranidae family, which includes groupers and sea basses.
Often found in the wild on coral reefs, the Coral Hind is a robust predator, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans. Its adaptability to aquarium life and relatively peaceful nature towards other large fish make it a favored choice for fish-only or larger reef aquariums.
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 spots
- Diet
- Carnivore Meaty foods, likes shrimp
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May eat small fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially when mature
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperCephalopholis
- SpeciesCoral grouperCephalopholis miniata (Forsskål, 1775)
- SynonymsCephalopholis boninius Jordan & Thompson, 1914Cephalopholis formosanus Tanaka, 1911Cephalopholis maculatus Seale & Bean, 1907Cephalopolis miniatus (Forsskål, 1775)Epinephelus miniatus (Forsskål, 1775)Perca miniata Forsskål, 1775Perca miniata nadjil Walbaum, 1792Perca miniatus irrorata Forster in Bloch & Schneider, 1801Pomacentrus burdi Lacepède, 1802Serranus cyanostigmatoides Bleeker, 1849Serranus miniatus (Forsskål, 1775)Serranus perguttatus De Vis, 1884
Care
Coral Hinds require a spacious tank to accommodate their size, which can reach up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) in length. They need plenty of hiding places and room to swim. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish flesh is essential for their health. It's important to note that they may prey on smaller tank mates, so careful selection of companions is crucial.
Reproduction
In the wild, Cephalopholis miniata are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is rare, but environmental stability and a well-managed tank can encourage spawning behavior.
Habitat
Coral Hinds are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer reef environments, often seen in lagoons and on outer reef slopes, typically at depths ranging from 2 to 150 meters.