Common name: spotted black grouper
General information
The Saddle-tail Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus daemelii, is a robust and striking fish that is a member of the family Serranidae. This species is known for its distinctive body pattern, featuring a series of dark saddle-like blotches across its back, which gives it its common name. The Saddle-tail Grouper is not as common in the aquarium trade as some other groupers, partly due to its potential large size and territorial nature.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °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/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
- Speciesspotted black grouperEpinephelus daemelii (Günther, 1876)
- SynonymsEpinephalus daemelii (Günther, 1876)Epinephelus damelii (Günther, 1876)Epinephelus forsythi Whitley, 1937Serranus daemelii Günther, 1876
Care
Saddle-tail Groupers require a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and rockwork to simulate their natural habitat. They are carnivorous and need a diet consisting of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Care should be taken when housing them with other fish, as they can be aggressive and may eat smaller tank mates.
Reproduction
In the wild, groupers are known to be protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and changing to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging, requiring expert care and a very large system to accommodate their size and spawning behavior.
Habitat
The Saddle-tail Grouper is found in the Western Pacific, from the Great Barrier Reef to New South Wales, and east to New Caledonia. They prefer reef environments and are typically found at depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters. In the aquarium, replicating their natural environment with a reef setup and ample hiding places is beneficial for their well-being.