Common name: Gabriella's grouper
General information
Gabrielle's Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus gabriellae, is a lesser-known species in the aquarium trade but is gaining popularity due to its striking appearance and interesting behavior. This species is characterized by its honeycomb patterned body, which provides excellent camouflage against the rocky substrates of its natural habitat.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 300 liter (79 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
- 50 cm (1′8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Requires hiding spots
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live or frozen food
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive to tankmates
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesGabriella's grouperEpinephelus gabriellae Randall & Heemstra, 1991
Care
Gabrielle's Grouper requires a spacious aquarium with plenty of rockwork to mimic its natural environment and provide hiding places. As a predatory fish, it needs a diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and small fish. Care should be taken to ensure that tank mates are not small enough to be considered prey.
Reproduction
Little is known about the reproductive habits of Gabrielle's Grouper in the wild or in captivity. However, like many groupers, they are likely to be protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and changing to males as they mature.
Habitat
This species is found in the Western Pacific, from the Gulf of Thailand to northern Australia. It prefers reef environments with plenty of crevices and overhangs, typically at depths where sunlight penetration is moderate but still allows for the growth of benthic algae and invertebrates.