Common name: Orange-spotted sea perch
General information
The Black Grouper, Cephalopholis nigri, is a robust and attractive marine fish that is a popular choice among advanced aquarists. It is known for its striking coloration, typically a dark brown or black with a mottled pattern that can change depending on its mood and environment. This species is part of the Serranidae family, which includes groupers and sea basses.
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, especially when mature
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperCephalopholis
- SpeciesOrange-spotted sea perchCephalopholis nigri (Günther, 1859)
- SynonymsEpinephelus nigri (Günther, 1859)Petrometopon nigri (Günther, 1859)Serranus lineo-ocellatus Guichenot, 1861Serranus nigri Günther, 1859
Care
Black Groupers require a large aquarium due to their potential size, often reaching up to 60 cm (2 feet) in length. They need ample swimming space and plenty of rockwork or cave-like structures for hiding. This species is carnivorous, feeding on a diet of smaller fish and invertebrates, so tank mates should be chosen carefully to avoid predation. A varied diet of meaty foods such as squid, shrimp, and fish flesh is essential for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Black Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding them in captivity is challenging due to their size and the need for precise environmental conditions.
Habitat
Black Groupers are found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea. They prefer reef environments and are often found at depths ranging from 3 to 50 meters (10 to 165 feet).