Common name: Golden grouper
General information
The Goldblotch Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus costae, is a striking fish species admired for its distinctive appearance and behavior. It is characterized by its robust body, covered in a pattern of gold and dark blotches, which provides excellent camouflage against the rocky seafloor of its natural habitat. This species is part of the Serranidae family, which is known for its members' fascinating ability to change sex during their lifetime.
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 foods.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish and inverts.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be territorial.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesGolden grouperEpinephelus costae (Steindachner, 1878)
- SynonymsCerna catalonica Gibert, 1913Cerna chrysotaenia Döderlein, 1882Epinephelus chrysotaenia (Döderlein, 1882)Epinephelus zaslavskii Poll, 1949Mycteroperca costae (Steindachner, 1878)Plectropoma fasciatus Costa, 1844Serranus chrysotaenia (Döderlein, 1882)Serranus costae Steindachner, 1878
Care
Goldblotch Groupers require a spacious aquarium due to their potential size and territorial nature. They are carnivorous and prefer a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. It's important to feed them a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition. These groupers can be aggressive, particularly towards smaller fish, so tankmates should be chosen with care to avoid predation.
Reproduction
Like many groupers, the Goldblotch Grouper is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. This sex change is often triggered by social factors such as the absence of a dominant male. Breeding in captivity is rare and requires a large, well-maintained system to mimic their natural environment.
Habitat
Goldblotch Groupers are found in the Eastern Atlantic, from the Gulf of Gascony to Angola, including the Mediterranean Sea. They inhabit rocky bottoms and seagrass beds, often at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 300 meters. In the wild, they are solitary creatures that establish territories which they defend vigorously.