Reeflings

Common name: Sixbar rockcod

Scientific name: Epinephelus sexfasciatus (Valenciennes, 1828)

General information

The Six-line Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus sexfasciatus, is a striking marine fish that is appreciated by aquarists for its vibrant coloration and patterns. This species is characterized by its dark brown to black body with six horizontal white bands, which give it its common name. It is a member of the family Serranidae, which includes groupers and sea basses.

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
70 cm (2′4″)
Care level
Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality.
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
Conservation status
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Groupers
    Serranidae
  6. Genus
    Grouper
    Epinephelus
  7. Species
    Sixbar rockcod
    Epinephelus sexfasciatus (Valenciennes, 1828)
  8. Synonyms
    Cephalopholis sexfasciatus (Valenciennes, 1828)
    Ephinephelus sexfasciatus (Valenciennes, 1828)
    Epinephelus sexfaciatus (Valenciennes, 1828)
    Serranus sexfasciatus Valenciennes, 1828

Care

Six-line Groupers are relatively hardy and can be a good choice for intermediate to advanced aquarists. They require a spacious tank with plenty of rockwork and hiding places to feel secure. It's important to note that they can become territorial and may show aggression towards smaller tank mates, so careful selection of compatible species is essential. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish flesh is recommended to maintain their health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Epinephelus sexfasciatus exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, meaning they are born female and have the ability to change to male later in life. This change usually occurs as they grow larger and more dominant. In the aquarium, breeding these groupers can be challenging due to their size and the need for precise environmental conditions.

Habitat

The Six-line 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, often seen in lagoons and on outer reef slopes. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 90 meters, although they are more commonly observed at around 40 meters.