Common name: Gag
General information
The Tiger Grouper, Mycteroperca tigris, is a striking species known for its distinctive coloration and patterns. This species is characterized by its robust body, large mouth, and the beautiful, tiger-like stripes that give it its common name. Tiger Groupers are predatory fish, feeding on a variety of smaller fish and invertebrates.
In the wild, they are often solitary and can be quite territorial. Their impressive appearance and behavior make them a fascinating addition to larger marine aquariums, although their size and predatory nature must be taken into account when considering tank mates.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 750 liter (200 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
- 91 cm (3′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs large tank and hiding spots
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live fish and squid
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish and inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially when mature
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperMycteroperca
- SpeciesGagMycteroperca tigris (Valenciennes, 1833)
- SynonymsMycteroperca hopkinsi Jordan & Rutter, 1897Serranus camelopardalis Poey, 1860Serranus camelopardis Poey, 1860Serranus felinus Poey, 1860Serranus repandus Poey, 1860Serranus rivulatus Poey, 1860Serranus tigris Valenciennes, 1833Trisotropis reticulatus Gill, 1865
Care
Tiger Groupers require a spacious aquarium due to their potential size, which can reach up to 30 inches in the wild. They need ample hiding places and room to swim. A varied diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans is essential for their health. Due to their predatory instincts, they should not be housed with small fish or invertebrates that could be seen as prey.
Reproduction
In their natural habitat, Tiger Groupers are known to form spawning aggregations, which are critical for their reproduction. In the aquarium, breeding Tiger Groupers is quite challenging and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and potentially changing to males as they mature.
Habitat
Tiger Groupers are found in the Western Atlantic, from North Carolina to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit reef environments, often preferring ledges and caves at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 160 feet. Their natural habitat's complexity should be mimicked in the home aquarium to provide a sense of security and to encourage natural behaviors.