More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 1000 litres / 264.17 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 35.0cm / 13.78inches |
| Reef Compatible | Reef safe with caution |
| Temperament | Unknown |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
The Foursaddle Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus spilotoceps, belongs to the Serranidae family. Indigenous to the East Indian Ocean, Australia, Indonesia, and the Central/West Pacific, this species can grow up to 35.0cm in size.
Aquarium Suitability
Considered suitable with care, the Foursaddle Grouper necessitates a very large tank, with a minimum size of 1000 liters when fully grown. Due to their rapid growth rate, these fish can quickly outgrow smaller setups. Their dietary preferences, which include various fish and crustaceans, require an aquarium that can handle the heavy feeding load.
Care and Hardiness
Noted for their hardiness, these groupers possess hermaphroditic characteristics, with the ability to change gender from female to male as needed. Providing ample hiding spots, such as among live rocks, is essential for their well-being. Maintaining a diverse diet that includes fish and different types of crustaceans is vital for their health.
Reef Suitability
Cautiously reef-safe, the Foursaddle Grouper can be kept in a reef setup. However, careful consideration should be given to potential interactions with other reef inhabitants due to their predatory nature.
Aquarium Setup
Setting up an aquarium for Foursaddle Groupers involves creating ample hiding spaces with live rocks. Additionally, ensuring a tank size of at least 1000 liters, stable water conditions (pH: 8.1-8.4, temperature: 22.2-25.6°C, salinity: 1.020-1.025, KH: 8-12), and a well-rounded diet is crucial for their overall well-being.
Behaviour
The temperament of the Foursaddle Grouper is listed as unknown, suggesting that further observation may be required to fully understand their behavior in captivity.
Feeding and Diet
These groupers require a varied diet that includes fish, larger crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs, as well as smaller crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia. Regular feeding schedules and a diverse range of food items are essential for their nutritional needs.
Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction
The Foursaddle Grouper exhibits hermaphroditic behavior, changing sex from female to male when required. Captive reproduction of this species is a possibility, offering opportunities for further study and understanding of their reproductive patterns.
Habitat and Distribution
In the wild, Foursaddle Groupers are found in the Indo-West-Pacific region, ranging from the East coast of Africa to the Line Islands. They primarily inhabit insular areas, with sightings reported at various islands in the region.