Common name: rockfish

Scientific name: Mycteroperca interstitialis (Poey, 1860)
Yellowmouth grouper swimming undersea

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
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Groupers
    Serranidae
  6. Genus
    Grouper
    Mycteroperca
  7. Species
    rockfish
    Mycteroperca interstitialis (Poey, 1860)
  8. Synonyms
    Labrus guaza Löfling, 1758
    Labrus gvaza Linnaeus, 1758
    Mycteroperca calliura Poey, 1865
    Mycteroperca dimidiata (Poey, 1860)
    Mycteroperca falcata (Poey, 1860)
    Mycteroperca roquensis Martín Salazar, 1956
    Serranus dimidiatus Poey, 1860
    Serranus falcatus Poey, 1860
    Serranus interstitialis Poey, 1860
    Trisotropis 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.