Common name: potato cod
General information
The Potato Cod, scientifically known as Epinephelus tukula, is a large and impressive species of grouper. It is well-known for its distinctive, large potato-like spots on its body, which contribute to its common name. This species can grow to a significant size, often reaching over a meter in length in the wild, making it a less common choice for home aquariums due to its space requirements.
Despite its size, the Potato Cod has a docile nature and is known for being relatively friendly towards divers, often displaying curiosity rather than fear. In the aquarium trade, juvenile specimens are sometimes available, but potential keepers must be prepared for their substantial growth.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 4,000 liter (1,100 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 2.4 m (7′10″)
- Care level
- Very difficult Needs very large systems
- Diet
- Carnivore Feeds on fish and crustaceans
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No Predatory to fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Aggresive Aggressive, especially to conspecifics
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- Speciespotato codEpinephelus tukula Morgans, 1959
- SynonymsSerranus dispar Playfair, 1867
Care
Caring for a Potato Cod requires a very large aquarium, with a capacity of several hundred gallons to accommodate its potential size and swimming needs. They are carnivorous and require a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Due to their large size and appetite, they produce a significant amount of waste, necessitating efficient filtration and regular water changes to maintain water quality.
Reproduction
In the wild, Potato Cods are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in home aquariums is extremely rare due to the species' size and complex life cycle.
Habitat
Potato Cods are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer reef environments and are often encountered in caves or under ledges during the day. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 150 meters.
Due to their size and the specific requirements for their care, Potato Cods are not recommended for most hobbyists. However, they are a fascinating species that can be appreciated in public aquariums or by advanced aquarists with the resources to provide for their needs.