Common name: Malabar grouper
General information
The Malabar Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus malabaricus, is a large and robust fish species belonging to the family Serranidae. It is well-known for its striking appearance, with a brownish or greenish body coloration and a pattern of small, closely-set dark spots. This species can grow quite large, making it a notable presence in any aquarium.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 750 liter (200 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 Needs large tank, heavy feeder
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live/fresh food
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially to conspecifics
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesMalabar grouperEpinephelus malabaricus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
- SynonymsCephalopholis malabaricus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)Epinephelus cylindricus Postel, 1965Epinephelus malabrica (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)Epinephelus polypodophilus (Bleeker, 1849)Epinephelus salmoides (Lacepède, 1802)Epinephelus salmonoides (Valenciennes, 1828)Holocentrus malabaricus Bloch & Schneider, 1801Holocentrus salmoides Lacepède, 1802Serranus crapao Cuvier, 1829Serranus estuarius Macleay, 1883Serranus polypodophilus Bleeker, 1849Serranus salmonoides Valenciennes, 1828Serranus semi-punctatus Valenciennes, 1828
Care
Malabar Groupers require spacious tanks due to their potential size, with a minimum tank size of several hundred gallons recommended. They are carnivorous and need a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. It's important to feed them a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition. Due to their size and predatory nature, tank mates should be chosen carefully to avoid predation.
Reproduction
In the wild, Malabar Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding them in captivity is challenging due to their size and the need for precise environmental conditions.
Habitat
The Malabar Grouper is found in a variety of marine environments, from coral reefs to estuaries. They are often seen in shallow waters but can also be found at depths of up to 150 meters. Their natural range extends across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the western Pacific Ocean.