Common name: Yellowtail rockcod
General information
The Blue and Yellow Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus flavocaeruleus, is a striking species known for its vibrant blue body and contrasting yellow edges on its fins. This species is a part of the Serranidae family, which includes groupers and sea basses. It is not as commonly found in the aquarium trade as some other groupers, but it is prized for its coloration and presence.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 300 liter (79 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 meaty foods, live feeders.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish, inverts.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, esp. in small tanks.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesYellowtail rockcodEpinephelus flavocaeruleus (Lacepède, 1802)
- Synonyms? flavocoeruleus Lacepède, 1802Bodianus macrocephalus Lacepède, 1802Cynichthys flavapurpuratus Swainson, 1839Cynichthys flavopurpuratus (Bennett, 1830)Epinephelus flavocoeruleum melanometopon Bleeker, 1871Epinephelus flavocoeruleum xanthometopon Bleeker, 1871Epinephelus flavocoeruleus (Lacepède, 1802)Holocentrus caerulescens Shaw, 1803Holocentrus flavocaeruleus Lacepède, 1802Holocentrus gymnosus Lacepède, 1802Perca flavapurpurea Bennett, 1830Perca flavopurpurea Bennett, 1830Serranus borbonicus Quoy & Gaimard, 1824Serranus borbonius Quoy & Gaimard, 1824Serranus flavocaeruleus (Lacepède, 1802)Serranus flavocoeruleus (Lacepède, 1802)
Care
The Blue and Yellow Grouper requires a large aquarium due to its potential size, with plenty of rockwork and hiding places to mimic its natural habitat. This species can grow to a substantial size, so it's important to consider tank mates carefully, as smaller fish may be seen as prey. A varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans is essential for their health.
Reproduction
Like many groupers, Epinephelus flavocaeruleus is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. In the wild, they form spawning aggregations, but breeding in captivity is rare and challenging.
Habitat
The Blue and Yellow Grouper is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer reef environments and are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 100 meters. They are solitary creatures that establish territories within the reef structure.