Areolate Grouper (Epinephelus areolate)

Fish in the family Serranidae. Hard care. Not Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific nameEpinephelus areolate

FamilySerranidae

Care levelHard

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentAggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size24 in

Minimum tank size180 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-82°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding schedule1-2 times daily

Appearance

The Areolate Grouper is a moderately sized serranid with a stocky, robust body. It displays brown to grayish coloration with distinctive irregular areolate (net-like) patterns and spots covering the body and fins. The head is large with a relatively small mouth compared to some grouper species.

Diet and feeding

Feed meaty foods including high-quality frozen or live fish, shrimp, and squid. Juveniles may accept smaller prey items; adults require larger portions. Feed 1-2 times daily for younger specimens; reduce to every other day as they mature.

Difficulty and care for the Areolate Grouper

Moderate - Areolate Grouper requires standard marine aquarium maintenance and intermediate fish keeping skills.

Common health issues

Parasitic infections, bacterial infections, lateral line disease, fin rot

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa through the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia and the western Pacific, including Indonesia, Philippines, and Australia.

Log Areolate Grouper in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Areolate Grouper alongside everything else in your reef.

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