Common name: rockfish
General information
The Yellowmouth Grouper, scientifically known as Mycteroperca interstitialis, is a striking species appreciated by aquarists for its vibrant coloration and impressive size. This species is characterized by its yellow mouth, from which it gets its common name, and a body that ranges from a brownish to olive green color with darker spots and markings. They are robust and adaptable predators, feeding on a variety of smaller fish and invertebrates.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- 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 prey, adaptable.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May prey on smaller fish.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially during feeding.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperMycteroperca
- SpeciesrockfishMycteroperca interstitialis (Poey, 1860)
- SynonymsLabrus guaza Löfling, 1758Labrus gvaza Linnaeus, 1758Mycteroperca calliura Poey, 1865Mycteroperca dimidiata (Poey, 1860)Mycteroperca falcata (Poey, 1860)Mycteroperca roquensis Martín Salazar, 1956Serranus dimidiatus Poey, 1860Serranus falcatus Poey, 1860Serranus interstitialis Poey, 1860Trisotropis chlorostomus Poey, 1867
Care
Yellowmouth Groupers require large aquariums due to their potential size, often reaching lengths of over 2 feet in captivity. They need ample swimming space and rockwork to simulate their natural habitat. These fish are not suitable for reef tanks as they will readily consume smaller fish and invertebrates. A varied diet of meaty foods such as squid, shrimp, and fish is essential for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Yellowmouth 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, often requiring expert care and a very large system to accommodate their size and spawning behavior.
Habitat
Yellowmouth Groupers are found in the Western Atlantic, from North Carolina to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They prefer rocky bottoms and reef environments, often seen in ledges and caves at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 100 meters deep.