Common name: Hexagon rockcod
General information
The Speckled Hind, also known as the Strawberry Grouper or Kitty Mitchell, is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Serranidae. Its scientific name is Epinephelus hexagonatus. This species is appreciated by aquarists for its striking coloration and patterns, which include a reddish to purplish base color with numerous white or lighter spots that give it a speckled appearance.
Details
- Recommended minimum 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
- 60 cm (2′)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live or frozen food.
- 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
- SpeciesHexagon rockcodEpinephelus hexagonatus (Forster, 1801)
- SynonymsEphinephelus hexagonatus (Forster, 1801)Epinephalus hexagonatus (Forster, 1801)Epinephelus stellans (Richardson, 1842)Holocentrus hexagonatus Forster, 1801Serranus hexagonatus (Forster, 1801)Serranus parkinsonii Valenciennes, 1828Serranus stellans Richardson, 1842
Care
Speckled Hinds require a large aquarium with plenty of space to swim and hide. They are predatory fish and need a diet consisting 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 consideration of the community is essential.
Reproduction
In the wild, Speckled Hinds are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging, often requiring expert care and a very large aquarium to simulate their natural environment.
Habitat
Speckled Hinds are found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico and south to Brazil. They prefer rocky bottoms and reef environments, where they can find shelter and ample food sources. In the wild, they are typically found at depths ranging from 25 to 120 meters.