Common name: Two-spined soapfish
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
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusSoapfishRypticus
- SpeciesTwo-spined soapfishRypticus bistrispinus (Mitchill, 1818)
- SynonymsBodianus bistrispinus Mitchill, 1818Rypticus arenatus Cuvier in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1829Rypticus 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.