Common name: Rock cod
General information
The Wavy Line Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus undulosus, is a striking fish species admired for its distinctive undulated patterns across its body. This species is part of the family Serranidae, which includes groupers and sea basses. The Wavy Line Grouper is not as common in the aquarium trade as some other groupers, partly due to its potential large size and predatory nature.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 60 cm (2′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Social
- Solo
- Reefsafe
- No
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesRock codEpinephelus undulosus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
- SynonymsBodianus undulosus Quoy & Gaimard, 1824Cephalopholis undulosus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)Serranus amboinensis Bleeker, 1852Serranus lineatus Valenciennes, 1828
Care
Caring for the Wavy Line Grouper requires a spacious aquarium, as they can grow quite large, reaching up to 30 inches in the wild. They need ample swimming space and hiding places to feel secure. Their diet should consist of a variety of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. It is important to note that they are predatory and may eat smaller tank mates, so careful selection of compatible species is crucial.
Reproduction
In the wild, groupers like Epinephelus undulosus are known to be protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is challenging and not commonly achieved by hobbyists due to the large space and specific environmental conditions required.
Habitat
The Wavy Line Grouper is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer reef environments and are often seen in lagoons and on outer reef slopes, typically at depths ranging from 2 to 40 meters.