Common name: Rock cod

General information

The Rock Hind, scientifically known as Epinephelus adscensionis, is a species of marine fish in the family Serranidae, which includes groupers and sea basses. This species is known for its distinctive coloration, with a base color that can range from a pale green to a brownish hue, overlaid with darker spots and blotches that provide excellent camouflage against rocky substrates.

Rock Hinds are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. They are solitary creatures and can be quite territorial, especially during the breeding season.

Care

In the aquarium, Rock Hinds require a large tank with plenty of hiding places and room to swim. They are carnivorous and need a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. It's important to note that they can become aggressive towards smaller tank mates, so careful consideration should be given when selecting other species for the aquarium.

Reproduction

In the wild, Rock Hinds form spawning aggregations, and their sex change from female to male can be influenced by social factors such as the absence of dominant males. In the home aquarium, breeding Rock Hinds is quite challenging and rarely achieved.

Habitat

Rock Hinds are found in the Western Atlantic, from North Carolina and Bermuda to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit rocky reefs and ledges, often preferring areas with abundant coral growth, at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 100 meters.

Their adaptability to various habitats makes them a resilient species, but they are not commonly found in the aquarium trade due to their size and territorial nature.