Common name: Comb grouper

General information

The Broomtail Grouper, scientifically known as Mycteroperca acutirostris, is a striking species admired for its distinctive marbled pattern and robust body shape. This species is a part of the Serranidae family, which is known for its members' role as apex predators in their natural habitats. The Broomtail Grouper can grow to a significant size, making it a centerpiece in larger home aquariums.

Care

Broomtail Groupers require spacious tanks due to their potential size, with a preference for ample rockwork and hiding places to mimic their natural environment. They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Care should be taken to ensure that tank mates are not small enough to be considered prey, as groupers are known to be opportunistic feeders.

Reproduction

In the wild, Broomtail Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. They form spawning aggregations, which are vulnerable to overfishing. In the aquarium, breeding is rare and challenging due to the need for precise environmental conditions and the difficulty in sexing individuals.

Habitat

Broomtail Groupers are found in the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea. They prefer reef environments, often seen in lagoons and on drop-offs, where they can find shelter and ample food sources. In the wild, they are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 100 meters.