Blacktip Grouper (Epinephelus blacktip)

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

Quick facts

Scientific nameEpinephelus blacktip

FamilySerranidae

Care levelHard

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentAggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size39 in

Minimum tank size180 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding schedule1-2 times daily

Appearance

A robust grouper with a tan to brown base coloration and distinctive black-edged pectoral and dorsal fin tips. The body is stout and muscular with a large mouth, and the species develops dark bands or mottling across the head and body as it matures.

Diet and feeding

Feed meaty foods including small whole fish, marine shrimp, squid, and quality carnivore pellets. Juveniles may be offered appropriately-sized prey items 2–3 times weekly; adults 1–2 times daily or every other day depending on feeding response.

Difficulty and care for the Blacktip Grouper

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

Common health issues

Parasitic infections, lateral line erosion, head and lateral line disease (HLLD)

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East African coast, and extending through Southeast Asia to the Great Barrier Reef and Indo-Australian Archipelago.

Log Blacktip 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 Blacktip Grouper alongside everything else in your reef.

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