Common name: Nassau grouper
General information
The Nassau Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus striatus, is a large and charismatic species of grouper that is popular among fish enthusiasts. This species is known for its distinctive body pattern, featuring a series of horizontal stripes and a large black spot on the tail. Nassau Groupers are social fish that can be found forming aggregations, especially during spawning seasons.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 60 cm (2′)
- 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 Can be territorial.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesNassau grouperEpinephelus striatus (Bloch, 1792)
- SynonymsAnthias cherna Bloch & Schneider, 1801Anthias striatus Bloch, 1792Serranus gymnopareius Valenciennes, 1828Serranus striatus (Bloch, 1792)Sparus chrysomelanus Lacepède, 1802Sparus chrysomelas Lacepède, 1802
Care
Nassau Groupers require large aquariums due to their potential size, often reaching up to a meter in length in the wild. They need ample space to swim and a variety of hiding places. These fish are carnivorous and require a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. It's important to feed them a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.
Reproduction
In the wild, Nassau Groupers are known for their spectacular spawning aggregations, where large numbers of fish come together to breed. In captivity, breeding is rare and challenging, but not impossible. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and changing to males as they mature.
Habitat
Naturally found in the coral reefs and rocky areas of the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil, Nassau Groupers prefer habitats with clear water and abundant shelter. They are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 90 meters deep.