Common name: Orange-spotted sea perch

Scientific name: Cephalopholis nigri (Günther, 1859)

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
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
    Orange-spotted sea perch
    Cephalopholis nigri (Günther, 1859)
  8. Synonyms
    Epinephelus nigri (Günther, 1859)
    Petrometopon nigri (Günther, 1859)
    Serranus lineo-ocellatus Guichenot, 1861
    Serranus 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).