Common name: tomato hind
General information
The Red Coral Grouper, also known as Sonnerat's Grouper or Coral Hind, is a strikingly colored marine fish that is a popular choice among advanced aquarists. Its vibrant red body with blue spots makes it a standout in any aquarium. Cephalopholis sonnerati is known for its robust build and territorial nature, which should be considered when introducing it to a community tank.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places and live food initially.
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live fish and crustaceans.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May prey on small fish and inverts.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially when feeding.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperCephalopholis
- Speciestomato hindCephalopholis sonnerati (Valenciennes, 1828)
- SynonymsCephalopholis purpureus Fourmanoir, 1966Cephalopolis sonnerati (Valenciennes, 1828)Cepholopholis sonnerati (Valenciennes, 1828)Epinephelus janthinopterus Bleeker, 1873Epinephelus sonnerati (Valenciennes, 1828)Epinephelus unicolor Bleeker, 1875Serranus sonnerati Valenciennes, 1828Serranus unicolor Liénard, 1874Serranus zananella Valenciennes, 1828
Care
Sonnerat's Grouper requires a large tank with plenty of hiding places to feel secure. It is a carnivorous species that preys on smaller fish and invertebrates, so tank mates should be chosen with care to avoid predation. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish flesh is essential for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, 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 due to their complex life cycle and the need for precise environmental conditions.
Habitat
Cephalopholis sonnerati is 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, where they can find ample cover and hunting grounds.