Common name: surge grouper
General information
The Social Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus socialis, is a small and colorful member of the grouper family. It is often referred to as the Blackcap Basslet due to its distinctive black cap over its head. This species is not as common in the aquarium trade as some other groupers, but it is appreciated for its more manageable size and striking appearance.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 300 liter (79 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
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers complex structures
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May show aggression
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- Speciessurge grouperEpinephelus socialis (Günther, 1873)
- SynonymsSerranus socialis Günther, 1873
Care
Social Groupers require a spacious aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding places to feel secure. They are carnivorous and need a diet consisting of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish flesh. It is important to feed them a varied diet to maintain their health. Due to their predatory nature, they should not be kept with small fish or invertebrates that could be seen as prey.
Reproduction
In the wild, Social Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is rare, and little is known about their reproductive habits in home aquariums.
Habitat
The Social Grouper is found in the Western Atlantic, from Bermuda and southern Florida to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They prefer reef environments and are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters.
Hobbyists interested in keeping this species should be aware of its potential size, reaching up to 30 centimeters in length, and its need for a large tank to accommodate its swimming and territorial behavior.