Common name: longfin grouper
General information
The Honeycomb Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus quoyanus, is a striking species appreciated by aquarists for its unique honeycomb-patterned body. This grouper is a member of the family Serranidae and is known for its robust build and calm demeanor in a well-structured aquarium setting.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank 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
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- No May eat small fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive if provoked
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- Specieslongfin grouperEpinephelus quoyanus (Valenciennes, 1830)
- SynonymsCephalopholis megachir (Richardson, 1846)Epinephelus gilberti (Richardson, 1842)Epinephelus megachir (Richardson, 1846)Epinephelus quoyans (Valenciennes, 1830)Perca melanocelidota Gronow, 1854Serranus alatus Alleyne & Macleay, 1877Serranus carinatus Alleyne & Macleay, 1877Serranus gilberti Richardson, 1842Serranus megachir Richardson, 1846Serranus pardalis Bleeker, 1848Serranus quoyanus Valenciennes, 1830
Care
Honeycomb Groupers require a spacious tank to accommodate their potential size, which can reach up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length. They thrive in environments with plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate. These fish are carnivorous and prefer a diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and small fish. It's important to feed them a varied diet to maintain their health and coloration.
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, often requiring large, species-specific systems and expert care.
Habitat
The Honeycomb Grouper is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They are typically associated with coral reefs, where they can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 100 meters. In the aquarium, they require stable water conditions with excellent filtration to mimic their natural habitat.