Common name: Estuary grouper
General information
The Greasy Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus tauvina, is a robust and impressive fish that is popular among aquarists who maintain larger systems. It is part of the family Serranidae, which includes groupers and sea basses. This species is known for its distinctive mottled or brindled pattern, which provides excellent camouflage against the reef backdrop.
As juveniles, they exhibit a more vibrant coloration, which fades as they mature. The Greasy Grouper can grow quite large, reaching up to 75 cm in length, and is therefore recommended for advanced hobbyists with spacious aquariums that can accommodate their size.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 75 cm (2′6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs large space and hiding spots
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live or frozen foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish and inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially when mature
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesEstuary grouperEpinephelus tauvina (Forsskål, 1775)
- SynonymsCephalopholis tauvina (Forsskål, 1775)Epinephalus tauvina (Forsskål, 1775)Epinephelus chewa Morgans, 1966Epinephelus elongatus Schultz, 1953Holocentrus pantherinus Lacepède, 1802Perca tauvina Forsskål, 1775Serranus goldiei Macleay, 1882Serranus jansenii Bleeker, 1857Serranus pantherinus (Lacepède, 1802)
Care
The Greasy Grouper requires a significant amount of space due to its potential size. A tank of several hundred gallons is necessary to provide adequate swimming room and territory. They are carnivorous and require a diet rich in meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. It is important to feed them a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.
Due to their size and predatory nature, tankmates should be chosen with care. Smaller fish and invertebrates may be seen as prey. Robust filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality, as groupers can produce a significant bioload.
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 due to their size and the complexity of their reproductive behavior.
Habitat
Greasy Groupers are found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow reefs to deeper waters up to 150 meters. They prefer areas with plenty of hiding spots such as caves and overhangs. Their natural range extends from the Indo-Pacific region to the Red Sea and the eastern coast of Africa.