Common name: palemargin grouper
General information
The Bontoo Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus bontoides, is a striking species appreciated by aquarists for its unique appearance and behavior. This species is characterized by its robust body, covered in a pattern of white spots against a darker background, which can vary from brown to grey. The Bontoo Grouper is a solitary predator, often found lurking around reefs waiting to ambush prey.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 60 cm (2′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots and open space
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers meaty foods like shrimp
- 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
- Speciespalemargin grouperEpinephelus bontoides (Bleeker, 1855)
- SynonymsSerranus bontoides Bleeker, 1855
Care
Bontoo Groupers require large aquariums due to their potential size, reaching up to 60 centimeters in length. They need ample swimming space and hiding spots to mimic their natural habitat. These groupers are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Care should be taken to ensure that tank mates are not small enough to be considered prey.
Reproduction
In the wild, Epinephelus bontoides exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging, requiring expert care and a very large, species-specific setup.
Habitat
The Bontoo Grouper is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer reef environments, often seen in lagoons and on outer reef slopes, at depths ranging from 2 to 40 meters. Their habitat choice reflects their need for complex structures for hunting and refuge.