Common name: Grouper
General information
The Clipperton Angelfish, Epinephelus clippertonensis, is a rare and lesser-known species in the aquarium trade, primarily due to its limited distribution. It is a member of the grouper family and is known for its striking coloration and robust body shape. This species is not commonly found in the hobby but can be a unique addition for the dedicated marine aquarist seeking a rare specimen.
Details
- Recommended minimum 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
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Social
- Solo
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish and inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial, especially with conspecifics
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesGrouperEpinephelus clippertonensis Allen & Robertson, 1999
Care
Caring for Clipperton Angelfish requires a spacious aquarium to accommodate their potential size and swimming needs. They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish. It is essential to maintain high water quality and stable parameters to keep these fish healthy. Due to their rarity, they may command a higher price and be more sensitive to transport and acclimation stress.
Reproduction
Little is known about the reproductive habits of Epinephelus clippertonensis in the wild or captivity. Groupers, in general, are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and changing to males as they mature. Breeding them in the home aquarium is challenging and rarely achieved.
Habitat
The Clipperton Angelfish is endemic to the waters around Clipperton Island in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. They are typically found in rocky reef environments and are known to inhabit depths that are not commonly reached by recreational divers, making them a mysterious and alluring species for aquarists.