Epinephelus marginatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) belongs to the Serranidae family, specifically in the Epinephelus subfamily. Endangered in its natural habitat, this species can grow very quickly when well-fed, reaching a maximum size of 150.0 cm. They are known to be hermaphroditic, with the ability to change gender from female to male as needed.

Aquarium Suitability

Due to their rapid growth and large size potential, Dusky Groupers demand a very large aquarium when fully grown. They have a hardiness level of "Hardy" but can be a threat to smaller fish, crustaceans, shrimps, and crabs in the tank due to their predatory nature. They are not typically suitable for home aquariums due to their space requirements.

Care and Hardiness

With a hardiness rating of "Hardy," Dusky Groupers are relatively easy to care for, provided they are housed in a suitable environment. They thrive in water conditions with a pH ranging from 8.1 to 8.4, a temperature between 22.2 to 25.6 degrees Celsius, and a specific gravity of 1.020 to 1.025. They are known to be robust once acclimated to their surroundings.

Reef Suitability

The Dusky Grouper is considered reef-safe with caution. While they may not harm corals directly, their predatory nature poses a risk to smaller reef inhabitants. Care should be taken when introducing them to a reef tank environment.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for Dusky Groupers requires a very large tank with ample space for swimming and growth. Providing ample hiding spots, rocks, and caves is essential to mimic their natural habitat and offer places for them to seek shelter. A robust filtration system is necessary to maintain water quality, given their predatory habits and excretion levels.

Behaviour

Dusky Groupers are known to be predatory fish that feed on a variety of marine life, including fish and larger crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs. Their behavior can be aggressive towards smaller tank mates, making them more suitable for a species-only tank environment.

Feeding and Diet

In captivity, Dusky Groupers should be fed a diet consisting of fish and larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs to meet their predatory dietary needs. Providing a varied and balanced diet will help maintain their health and vitality in the aquarium.

Habitat and Distribution

Natural habitat for the Dusky Grouper includes the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, West Atlantic, and the Mediterranean Sea. Found in rocky areas and reefs, they prefer environments with ample hiding spots and structures to explore. Their distribution is threatened due to overfishing and habitat degradation.