Common name: Brownspotted grouper
General information
The Brownspotted Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus chlorostigma, is a robust and attractive fish that is a popular choice among advanced aquarists. This species is known for its distinctive brown spots and a body that can range from a pale green to a brownish color. It is a member of the family Serranidae, which includes groupers and sea basses.
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 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 60 cm (2′)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live or frozen food.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish and inverts.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially to smaller tank mates.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesBrownspotted grouperEpinephelus chlorostigma (Valenciennes, 1828)
- SynonymsEpinephelus chlorostigmata (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1828)Epinephelus geoffroyi KlunzingerEpinephilus chlorostigma (Valenciennes, 1828)Serranus areolatus japonicus Temminck & Schlegel, 1842Serranus assabensis Giglioli, 1889Serranus celebicus multipunctatus Kossmann & Räuber, 1877Serranus chlorostigma Valenciennes, 1828Serranus geoffroyi Klunzinger, 1870Serranus reevesii Richardson, 1846
Care
Brownspotted Groupers require a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and rockwork to simulate their natural habitat. They are predatory fish and need a diet consisting of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Care should be taken when housing them with smaller fish, as they may be seen as prey. These groupers can grow quite large, and a tank of at least 500 liters is recommended for an adult.
Reproduction
In the wild, Brownspotted Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding them in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved, but understanding their natural reproductive behavior can be beneficial for aquarists interested in marine fish biology.
Habitat
The Brownspotted Grouper is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer reef environments and are often found in lagoons and on outer reef slopes, typically at depths ranging from 4 to 150 meters.