Peacock Grouper (Epinephelus peacock)
Fish in the family Serranidae. Hard care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Peacock Grouper is a large, robust grouper with a distinctive coloration pattern featuring a cream or tan body overlaid with irregular dark bars and blotches that give it a mottled appearance. The fins are dark with lighter bands, and the head is broad and muscular with a large mouth typical of piscivorous groupers. Adult specimens display intensifying coloration as they mature, with some individuals showing deeper orange or reddish tones on the head and body.
Diet and feeding
Feed a diet of meaty foods including frozen or fresh fish, shrimp, squid, and other marine flesh. Live feeder fish may be offered occasionally but are not necessary. Feed juveniles 2–3 times daily; reduce to once daily for adults as they grow.
Difficulty and care for the Peacock Grouper
The Peacock Grouper is a challenging species requiring expert care: it demands a very large aquarium, is highly predatory and aggressive toward tankmates, and will consume anything small enough to fit in its large mouth. Only experienced aquarists with dedicated large systems should attempt this species.
Common health issues
Parasitic infections (ich, marine velvet), bacterial infections, poor water quality sensitivity, overcrowding stress
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from East Africa and the Red Sea to the Great Barrier Reef and across to Japan and the Philippines. Found in coral reef environments at depths typically between 5–200 meters.
Log Peacock 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 Peacock Grouper alongside everything else in your reef.
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