Common name: Orange-red pigmy grouper
General information
The Dusty Grouper, also known as the Strawberry Grouper or Red Hind, is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Serranidae. It is scientifically known as Cephalopholis spiloparaea. This species is appreciated by aquarists for its vibrant coloration and interesting behavior.
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 spots & live rock
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers meaty foods, mysis shrimp
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May prey on small fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, esp. in small tanks
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperCephalopholis
- SpeciesOrange-red pigmy grouperCephalopholis spiloparaea (Valenciennes, 1828)
- SynonymsCephalopholis spiloparae (Valenciennes, 1828)Serranus spiloparaeus Valenciennes, 1828
Care
Cephalopholis spiloparaea requires a spacious aquarium with plenty of rockwork and caves to mimic its natural habitat and provide hiding places. They are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish. It is important to note that they can become territorial and may not be compatible with smaller, more docile fish.
Reproduction
In the wild, Dusty Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but environmental stability and proper diet can encourage spawning behavior.
Habitat
The Dusty Grouper is found in the Western Atlantic, from North Carolina to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. They prefer reef environments and are typically found at depths ranging from 10 to 100 meters.