Common name: Spotted soapfish
General information
The Leopard Grouper, also known as the Spotted Soapfish, is a striking species known for its distinctive spotted pattern. This fish is a member of the Serranidae family, which includes groupers and sea basses. The scientific name Pogonoperca punctata reflects its punctuated, or spotted, appearance. In the wild, they are solitary predators, using their camouflage to ambush prey.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 25 cm (10″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers live rock for hiding
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods, mysis shrimp
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish, inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be territorial
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusLeopard WrassePogonoperca
- SpeciesSpotted soapfishPogonoperca punctata (Valenciennes, 1830)
- SynonymsGrammistes punctatus Valenciennes, 1830Pogonaperca punctata (Valenciennes, 1830)Pogonoperca reticulata Bliss, 1883
Care
Leopard Groupers require a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places due to their shy nature. They are carnivorous and prefer a diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and small fish. It's important to feed them a varied diet to maintain their health. Caution should be exercised when housing them with smaller fish, as they may become prey.
Reproduction
In the wild, Leopard Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding them in captivity is challenging and not commonly done in home aquariums.
Habitat
Leopard Groupers are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. They prefer reef environments and are typically found at depths ranging from 4 to 60 meters. In the aquarium, they require a well-structured environment that mimics their natural habitat with ample rockwork.