Common name: Coral grouper
General information
The Vermillion Seabass, also known as the Coral Grouper or Coral Rockcod, is a species of marine fish in the family Serranidae. It is scientifically known as Epinephelus corallicola. This species is appreciated by aquarists for its vibrant coloration and relatively small size for a grouper, making it a more manageable choice for larger home aquariums.
The Coral Grouper is distinguished by its bright red to orange coloration with a pattern of lighter spots and blotches. It is a robust and hardy species that can adapt to life in captivity if provided with the right conditions.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 40 cm (1′4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots and live rock
- 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 to tank mates
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesCoral grouperEpinephelus corallicola (Valenciennes, 1828)
- SynonymsSerranus altivelioides Bleeker, 1849Serranus corallicola Valenciennes, 1828
Care
Coral Groupers require a spacious tank with plenty of hiding places, as they are territorial and may become aggressive towards other tank mates, especially those of similar shape or behavior. They are carnivorous and require a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. It's important to feed them a varied diet to maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, 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 complex life cycle and the large space required for their spawning behavior.
Habitat
The Vermillion Seabass 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 hiding in crevices and overhangs during the day. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 100 meters deep.