Reeflings

Common name: brown-marbled grouper

Scientific name: Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskål, 1775)
Brown marbled grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, Komodo Indonesia.
Brown marbled grouper with Knotted fan coralsFlowery Cod (Epinephelus Fuscoguttatus) in the filipino sea 12.11.2011

General information

The Brown-marbled Grouper, also known as the Flowery Cod, is a striking species of fish that is often sought after by advanced aquarists. With its distinctive brown marbling and robust body, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus is a member of the family Serranidae. This species can grow quite large, reaching up to 75 cm in length, which makes it suitable only for very large aquariums or public displays.

In the wild, these groupers are apex predators, feeding on a variety of fish and invertebrates. Their impressive size and predatory nature should be considered when selecting tank mates, as they can easily consume smaller fish and crustaceans.

Details

Recommended minimum volume
500 liter (130 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 7.8 to 8.4
Average size
70 cm (2′4″)
Care level
Moderate to easy
Diet
Carnivore
Social
Solo
Reefsafe
No May eat smaller fish/inverts
Aggression
Semi aggresive Territorial, especially with conspecifics
Captive bred
No
Conservation status
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Groupers
    Serranidae
  6. Genus
    Grouper
    Epinephelus
  7. Species
    brown-marbled grouper
    Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskål, 1775)
  8. Synonyms
    Ephinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskål, 1775)
    Epinephelus fuscuguttatus (Forsskål, 1775)
    Epinephelus lutra (Valenciennes, 1832)
    Perca summana fuscoguttata Forsskål, 1775
    Serranus fuscoguttatus (Forsskål, 1775)
    Serranus horridus Valenciennes, 1828
    Serranus lutra Valenciennes, 1832
    Serranus taeniocheirus Valenciennes, 1830

Care

Brown-marbled Groupers require spacious tanks with plenty of hiding places to feel secure. Due to their large size and significant bioload, efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality. They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. It's important to feed them a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.

Reproduction

In the wild, Brown-marbled Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding them in captivity is extremely challenging due to their size and the complexity of their reproductive behavior.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Brown-marbled Grouper extends across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They are typically found on coral reefs and rocky areas at depths ranging from 2 to 60 meters. In the aquarium, replicating their natural environment with live rock structures can provide a sense of security and territory.