Common name: Aroelated grouper
General information
The Areolate Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus areolatus, is a marine fish species that is well-regarded by aquarists for its striking appearance and interesting behavior. This species is characterized by its brownish to yellowish body color, adorned with a network of fine reticulated lines. It is a robust and hardy fish that can grow quite large, making it suitable for spacious aquariums.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 38 cm (1′3″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Social
- Solo
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial, especially with conspecifics
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesAroelated grouperEpinephelus areolatus (Forsskål, 1775)
- SynonymsBodianus melanurus Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817Ephinephelus areolatus (Forsskål, 1775)Epinephelus angularis (Valenciennes, 1828)Epinephelus craspedurus Jordan & Richardson, 1910Epinephelus glaucus (Day, 1871)Epinephelus waandersii (Bleeker, 1858)Perca areolata Forsskål, 1775Serranus angularis Valenciennes, 1828Serranus celebicus Bleeker, 1851Serranus celebicus multipunctatus Kossmann & Räuber, 1877Serranus glaucus Day, 1871Serranus waandersii Bleeker, 1858
Care
Areolate Groupers require a large tank with plenty of swimming space and hiding spots. They are predatory fish 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, Areolate 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, requiring a large, well-maintained system and expert care.
Habitat
The Areolate Grouper is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They are typically associated with coral reefs, often seen in lagoons and outer reef slopes. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 100 meters.