Common name: Pacific graysby
General information
The Panama Graysby, scientifically known as Cephalopholis panamensis, is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Serranidae. This small grouper is known for its distinctive coloration, featuring a tan to brown body with darker spots and a series of white dots along its lateral line. The Panama Graysby is not as commonly kept in home aquariums as some other groupers, but it can be a unique addition for those looking to diversify their fish-only or larger reef tanks.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places and live rock
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods like shrimp
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May prey on small fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially in small tanks
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperCephalopholis
- SpeciesPacific graysbyCephalopholis panamensis (Steindachner, 1876)
- SynonymsEpinephelus panamensis (Steindachner, 1876)Petrometopon panamensis (Steindachner, 1876)Serranus panamensis Steindachner, 1876
Care
Panama Graysbys require a spacious tank with plenty of rockwork and hiding places to feel secure. They are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet consisting of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and small fish. It's important to note that they can become territorial and may eat smaller tank mates, so careful consideration should be given when selecting compatible species.
Reproduction
In the wild, Panama Graysbys are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is rare, and little is known about their reproductive habits in home aquariums.
Habitat
The natural habitat of the Panama Graysby extends from the Gulf of California to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. They are typically found in rocky or coral reefs and prefer areas with ample crevices for shelter. In the wild, they are often observed at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 90 feet.