Common name: white-streaked grouper
General information
The White-Streaked Grouper (Epinephelus ongus) is a marine fish species belonging to the family Serranidae. It is known for its distinctive white streaks and spots against a darker body, which can range from brown to black. This species is not as common in the aquarium trade as some other groupers, but it is appreciated for its unique appearance and behavior.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 300 liter (79 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
- 50 cm (1′8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Social
- Solo
- Reefsafe
- No
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- Specieswhite-streaked grouperEpinephelus ongus (Bloch, 1790)
- SynonymsEpinephelus slacksmithi Whitley, 1959Epinephelus summana hostiaretis Whitley, 1954Holocentrus ongus Bloch, 1790Serranus bataviensis Bleeker, 1849Serranus dichropterus Valenciennes, 1828Serranus reticulatus Valenciennes, 1828Serranus tumilabris Valenciennes, 1828Serranus tumilabrus Valenciennes, 1828Serranus tumilebris Valenciennes, 1828
Care
White-Streaked Groupers require a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and hiding places, as they can grow quite large, up to 60 cm in length. They are predatory fish and should be housed with tank mates that are too large to be considered prey. A varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans is essential for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging due to their size and the need for precise environmental conditions.
Habitat
The White-Streaked Grouper is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer reef environments and are often found in lagoons and on outer reef slopes, typically at depths ranging from 4 to 40 meters.