Common name: Blacktip grouper
General information
The Blacktip Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus fasciatus, is a striking marine fish known for its distinctive black-tipped fins and bold stripes. This species is a member of the family Serranidae, which includes groupers and sea basses. It is a popular choice among aquarists due to its hardy nature and interesting behavior.
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
- 50 cm (1′8″)
- 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 Aggressive, especially when mature.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesBlacktip grouperEpinephelus fasciatus (Forsskål, 1775)
- SynonymsCerna alexandrina (Valenciennes, 1828)Epinephalus alexandrinus (Valenciennes, 1828)Epinephalus fasciatus (Forsskål, 1775)Epinephelus alexandrinus (Valenciennes, 1828)Epinephelus emoryi Schultz, 1953Epinephelus marginalis Bloch, 1793Epinephelus tsirimenara (Temminck & Schlegel, 1842)Epinephelus variolosus (Valenciennes, 1828)Epinephelus zapyrus Seale, 1906Epinephilus fasciatus (Forsskål, 1775)Holocentrus erythraeus Bloch & Schneider, 1801Holocentrus forskael Lacepède, 1802Holocentrus marginatus Lacepède, 1802Holocentrus oceanicus Lacepède, 1802Holocentrus rosmarus Lacepède, 1802Perca fasciata Forsskål, 1775Perca maculata Forster, 1844Plectropoma fasciatus Costa, 1844Serranus alexandrinus Valenciennes, 1828Serranus cruentus De Vis, 1884
Care
Blacktip Groupers require a spacious aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding places to feel secure. They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. It is important to note that they can grow quite large and may become aggressive towards smaller tank mates, so careful selection of compatible species is crucial.
Reproduction
In the wild, Blacktip 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 size and the need for precise environmental conditions.
Habitat
Blacktip Groupers are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, usually at depths ranging from 4 to 160 meters. Their presence in a reef tank can add a touch of the natural diversity found in these ecosystems.