Common name: humpback grouper
General information
The Panther Grouper, scientifically known as Cromileptes altivelis, is a striking fish species popular among aquarists for its unique appearance. It is characterized by its large, humpbacked shape and beautiful pattern of black spots on a white to creamy background, which resembles the coat of a panther, hence the name. This species is also known as the Humpback Grouper or Barramundi Cod.
In the wild, Panther Groupers are apex predators, feeding on a variety of smaller fish and invertebrates. They are found in the Indo-Pacific region and are often associated with coral reefs, although juveniles may inhabit mangroves and estuaries.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 70 cm (2′4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Prone to swim bladder issues
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live foods, adapts to frozen
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish, inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially when mature
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusPanther GrouperCromileptes
- Specieshumpback grouperCromileptes altivelis (Valenciennes, 1828)
- Synonyms? altiveles Valenciennes, 1828Chromileptes altivelis (Valenciennes, 1828)Cromileptes altiveles (Valenciennes, 1828)Cromileptis altivales (Valenciennes, 1828)Cromileptis altiveles (Valenciennes, 1828)Cromileptis altivelis (Valenciennes, 1828)Epinephelus altivelis (Valenciennes, 1828)Serranus altivelis Valenciennes, 1828
Care
Panther Groupers require a large aquarium due to their potential size, which can reach up to 70 centimeters (27 inches) in length. They need ample swimming space and hiding places. This species is not reef-safe, as it will eat smaller fish and invertebrates, including ornamental shrimp and crabs. A varied diet of meaty foods such as squid, shrimp, and fish is essential for their health.
Reproduction
Reproduction of Panther Groupers in home aquariums is rare. In the wild, they are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and changing to males as they mature. They form spawning aggregations, and their larvae are pelagic, drifting with the currents.
Habitat
Panther Groupers are native to the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer coral reefs and rocky areas, typically at depths of 2 to 40 meters. Juveniles are often found in shallower, protected waters such as mangroves and estuaries.