Common name: Chinaman rockcod
General information
The Blotchy Rockcod, also known as the Speckled Grouper or Maori Grouper, is a robust and striking species that can make a fascinating addition to larger marine aquariums. This species is known for its distinctive coloration, with a pattern of dark blotches and spots on a lighter background that can vary significantly among individuals.
In the wild, Epinephelus rivulatus is a predator, feeding on a variety of smaller fish and invertebrates. This predatory nature should be considered when choosing tank mates, as they may see smaller fish as prey.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 500 liter (130 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
- 75 cm (2′6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Needs large tank, caves
- 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 to conspecifics
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesChinaman rockcodEpinephelus rivulatus (Valenciennes, 1830)
- SynonymsEpinephelus grammatophorus Boulenger, 1903Epinephelus homosinensis Whitley, 1944Epinephelus matterni Fowler, 1918Epinephelus raymondi Ogilby, 1908Epinephelus rhyncholepis (Bleeker, 1853)Epinephelus spiramen Whitley, 1945Epinephelus viridipinnis De Vis, 1885Serranus rhyncholepis Bleeker, 1853Serranus rhyncolepis Bleeker, 1853Serranus rivulatus Valenciennes, 1830Serranus viridipinnis De Vis, 1884
Care
The Blotchy Rockcod requires a spacious aquarium due to its potential size, with plenty of rockwork and hiding places to mimic its natural habitat. They are generally hardy and adaptable to aquarium life but need a varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans to maintain their health.
Due to their size and dietary needs, they produce a significant amount of waste, so efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality.
Reproduction
In the wild, groupers like the Blotchy Rockcod 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 complexity of their reproductive behavior.
Habitat
Epinephelus rivulatus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan, and south to Australia. They prefer reef environments and are often found in lagoons and on outer reef slopes.