Common name: Grouper
General information
The White Grouper, Epinephelus aeneus, is a robust and attractive fish that is a prized catch for both commercial and recreational fishers. In the aquarium trade, it is appreciated for its striking appearance, with a brownish or greenish body color and numerous white spots that become more intense during spawning season.
This species is known for its adaptability and can thrive in various marine environments, making it a versatile addition to larger fish-only or predator tanks. However, due to its potential size and predatory nature, it is not suitable for reef tanks with smaller fish or invertebrates.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 60 cm (2′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs large space and hiding spots
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live or frozen foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish and inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially when mature
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesGrouperEpinephelus aeneus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817)
- SynonymsChenia aenea (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817)Cherna aenea (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817)Epinephelus aenus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817)Perca robusta Couch, 1832Serranus aeneus Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817
Care
White Groupers require a spacious tank to accommodate their size, which can reach up to 90 centimeters in the wild. They need ample swimming space and hiding places to feel secure. A varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans is essential for their health. It's important to note that they can become territorial, so tank mates should be chosen with care to avoid aggression.
Reproduction
In the wild, White Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding them in captivity is challenging due to their size and the need for precise environmental conditions to trigger spawning.
Habitat
Epinephelus aeneus is found in the Eastern Atlantic, from the Bay of Biscay to South Africa, including the Mediterranean and Black Sea. They inhabit rocky bottoms and seagrass beds, typically at depths ranging from 15 to 300 meters. In the aquarium, simulating their natural habitat with rockwork and open areas can help promote natural behaviors.