Aquarium Livestock Pet Care Guides

Groupers

Origin

Indo-Pacific

Average Size

Varies by species

Lifespan

Up to 10 years

Diet

Groupers are fairly aggressive predators that will eat just about anything that will fit into their mouth. Feed a meaty diet of larger pellets, scallops, shrimp, and various other fish flesh.

Temperament

Many groupers can be territorial and will grow very large, so keep this in mind with tankmates and tank size. They are also quite aggressive feeders; if it fits in their mouth, chances are that's where it will end up. Avoid placing with anything that may be a potential lunch.

Tank Environment

For Groupers, provide numerous hiding places and caves. These fish will spend time hiding under overhangs or in darkened caves. Groupers will do well with any lighting. Groupers are considered "reef safe," although they grow very large and may damage corals by perching on surfaces. These fish also tend to be "jumpers" so a covered tank is safest.

Tank Mates

House with fish large enough to avoid being eaten (about the same size, if not slightly larger than the grouper). More aggressive fish like triggers or wrasses usually make good tankmates but avoid small fish like damsels or basslets.

Common Species

Panther Grouper-Cromileptes altivelis
Max Size: 28"
Origin:: Western Pacific
Temperament:: This is a more unusual fish with a large appetite. They often sold very small but be prepared for the very large adult.

Clown Grouper-Pogonoperca punctata
Max Size: 14"
Origin:: Indo-Pacific
Temperament:: This fish needs plenty of shelter and places to hide. They have also been known to secrete a toxic slime when stressed.

Spotted Grouper-Epinephelus maculatus
Max Size: 28"
Origin:: Indo-Pacific
Temperament:: This grouper is often sold as a small juvenile but will get much larger and more aggressive as it grows - provide ample room for the adult.

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