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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Serranidae (Anthias, Groupers)
Natural Range: Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific, and Pacific Ocean
Depth: 16 to 131 ft. Size: 28 in. Jumps: No Space: 300+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Fish, crustaceans, squid
Natural History: The Panther Grouper is found in dead silty waters but also healthy coral reefs, lagoons, reef flats, faces, and slopes. Juveniles may be encountered in tide pools. Juveniles are solitary while adults are often found singly or in small groups. It has an unusual head-down swimming pattern while maintaining a stationary position in the water. Juveniles have large black spots on a white body. As the fish grows, the spots become smaller and the body becomes gray or reddish brown.
Husbandry: The Panther Grouper is a favorite in the saltwater fish hobby. It has attractive color and behavior patterns and is hardy. The only difficulty is the large space required along with numerous hiding places to house this fish. This fish will eat processed, frozen, and live foods. The Panther Grouper is a peaceful fish, usually even with its own species. It will eat small fish housed with it in an aquarium.
AKA: Panther Fish, Polkadot Grouper, Barramundi Cod, Humpback Grouper