Common name: Blue-lined grouper

General information

The Polleni Grouper, also known as the Harlequin Rockfish or Harlequin Hind, is a striking species recognized for its deep blue to black body and numerous small, bright blue spots. It belongs to the genus Cephalopholis, which is part of the family Serranidae. This species is not only admired for its beauty but also for its robust nature in the aquarium setting.

Care

Caring for a Polleni Grouper requires a spacious tank due to its potential size, reaching up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) in length. They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. It's important to maintain high water quality and stable parameters to keep these groupers healthy. They are generally hardy but can be territorial, so tankmates should be chosen with care to avoid aggression.

Reproduction

In the wild, Polleni Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging, requiring a large, well-established system and expert care.

Habitat

Polleni Groupers are found in the Western Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea and East Africa, extending to the Western Pacific. They prefer reef environments, often hiding in caves and crevices during the day and emerging at night to hunt.

Their natural habitat includes depths ranging from shallow waters to about 50 meters (164 feet), where they utilize the complex structure of the reef for shelter and hunting grounds.