Snubnose Grouper (Epinephelus snubnose)

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

Quick facts

Scientific nameEpinephelus snubnose

FamilySerranidae

Care levelHard

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentAggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size18 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

The Snubnose Grouper is a compact, stocky serranid with a rounded body and characteristically blunt, shortened snout—hence its common name. Coloration is typically mottled brown, tan, or reddish with darker blotches and irregular patterns; juveniles may show more vivid markings. The mouth is relatively small and terminal, and the dorsal fin has 10–11 spines.

Diet and feeding

Feed quality meaty foods including small fish (silversides, mackerel), crustaceans (shrimp, krill), and squid. Most specimens will accept frozen foods. Feed 1–2 times daily for juveniles; adults may be fed every 1–2 days.

Difficulty and care for the Snubnose Grouper

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

Common health issues

Ich, head and lateral line erosion (HLLE), parasitic infections, stress-related ailments if housed improperly

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia, typically found on coral and rocky reefs at depths of 10–200 meters.

Log Snubnose 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 Snubnose Grouper alongside everything else in your reef.

Download Reef Trak See the full app