Common name: Two-spined soapfish

Scientific name: Rypticus bistrispinus (Mitchill, 1818)

General information

The Panther Grouper, scientifically known as Rypticus bistrispinus, is a striking marine fish known for its distinctive appearance and large size. It has a creamy white body adorned with a pattern of black spots, which can vary in size and number among individuals. This species is part of the Serranidae family, which includes groupers and sea basses.

In the wild, Panther Groupers are solitary predators, often lurking in reef crevices waiting to ambush prey. They are capable of consuming fish nearly half their size, thanks to their large mouths and expandable stomachs.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
200 liter (53 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °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 mysis, brine shrimp
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May eat small fish, inverts
Aggression
Semi aggresive Aggressive to smaller tankmates
Captive bred
No

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
    Soapfish
    Rypticus
  7. Species
    Two-spined soapfish
    Rypticus bistrispinus (Mitchill, 1818)
  8. Synonyms
    Bodianus bistrispinus Mitchill, 1818
    Rypticus arenatus Cuvier in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1829
    Rypticus histrispinus (Mitchill, 1818)

Care

Panther Groupers require a spacious aquarium due to their potential size, which can reach up to 20 inches in length. They need ample swimming space and hiding places to feel secure. These groupers are not reef-safe as they will eat smaller fish and invertebrates, making them suitable only for fish-only or predator tanks.

A varied diet of meaty foods such as squid, silversides, and shrimp is essential for their health. It's important to feed them appropriately sized portions to prevent obesity, a common issue in captivity.

Reproduction

Reproduction of Panther Groupers in home aquariums is rare. In the wild, they are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and changing to males as they mature. They engage in group spawning where several females release eggs for the males to fertilize.

Habitat

Panther Groupers are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral and rocky reefs, often at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. Their preference for reef environments with plenty of hiding spots should be replicated in the home aquarium to provide a sense of security.