Common name: highfin grouper
General information
The Spotted Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus maculatus, is a striking fish species popular among aquarists for its distinctive appearance and behavior. This species is characterized by its robust body, covered in a pattern of dark spots that provide excellent camouflage among the reef. Groupers are known for their ability to change sex from female to male during their lifespan, a phenomenon known as protogyny.
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
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs 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 Aggressive, especially when mature
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- Specieshighfin grouperEpinephelus maculatus (Bloch, 1790)
- SynonymsHolocentrus albofuscus Lacepède, 1802Holocentrus maculatus Bloch, 1790Plectropoma kulas Thiollière, 1857Serranus medurensis Günther, 1873Serranus sebae Bleeker, 1854
Care
Spotted Groupers require a large aquarium with plenty of hiding places to feel secure. They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Care should be taken to ensure that tank mates are not small enough to be considered prey, as groupers can be quite predatory.
Reproduction
In the wild, Spotted Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and transitioning to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is challenging and rarely observed, as it requires specific environmental conditions to trigger spawning.
Habitat
Epinephelus maculatus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer coral reefs and rocky substrates, where they can find shelter and ample food sources. In the wild, they are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 100 meters.