Common name: Red grouper
General information
The Red Grouper, Epinephelus morio, is a popular fish among aquarists who appreciate its striking appearance and interesting behavior. This species is known for its distinctive red coloration and spotted pattern. In the wild, it plays a significant role in shaping the structure of reef communities by creating shelters in the form of pits and caves on the ocean floor.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 1 m (3′3″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live fish & crustaceans
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish & inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially when feeding
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesRed grouperEpinephelus morio (Valenciennes, 1828)
- SynonymsSerranus angustifrons Steindachner, 1864Serranus erythrogaster DeKay, 1842Serranus luridus Ranzani, 1842Serranus morio Valenciennes, 1828Serranus remotus Poey, 1860
Care
Red Groupers require a large tank with plenty of space to swim and structures to hide in. They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of live or frozen foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. It's important to note that they can become quite large, and their tankmates should be chosen carefully to avoid predation.
Reproduction
In the wild, Red Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and transitioning to males as they mature. They form spawning aggregations, and their complex reproductive behavior can be challenging to replicate in captivity.
Habitat
Native to the western Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, Red Groupers are found on rocky bottoms and coral reefs. They prefer depths ranging from shallow waters to about 100 meters.
Hobbyists should aim to mimic their natural environment as closely as possible to ensure the well-being of these fish in captivity.