Large, colorful, and full of personality, groupers can make fantastic
additions to tanks that are big enough to house them properly.
We’ve all seen them at one time or another, perhaps on television,
at a public aquarium, or even at your local fish store. Beautiful,
charismatic, and robust, the groupers offer much to those with
enough space to accommodate their basic needs. Easy to keep and
full of personality, one is hard-pressed to name a more trouble-free,
interesting, and rewarding group of fish for the larger home
aquarium. One might be right for you!
Clown
Grouper Pogonoperca punctata
Description: The Clown Grouper is greyish in color
and speckled with white dots. Their most distinguishing characteristics
are the five black, triangular spots that are located along the
dorsal side of the fish. This grouper will prey upon most smaller
fish and motile invertebrates. These groupers have been known
to attempt eating fish you might not think they could swallow.
Clown groupers should be provided with plenty of both open swimming
room and rock caves and tunnels. They have large appetites, and
a meaty frozen diet is recommended.
Recommended
Tank size:
minimum 100 gallon
Food and
diet:carnivorous, feed a
varied diet of meaty foods
Reef Compatability:Excellent,
but will eat shrimps and fish its own size or smaller.
Level of
Care: for
Advanced Aquarist Only
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Caution:
This species
secretes or releases toxins when stressed or injured that may
kill fish in the aquarium. Aquatic Connection will not accept
responsibility for any loss that may occur should this animal
poison the aquarium.
Please note:
We guarantee
that ALL aquaria species we offer will arrive alive and in good
condition. However, because of the increased level of care required
for this particular species, it has been designated for the "Advanced
Aquarist Only." This species is recommended only for the
expert marine aquarist, zoo, or research institution please.
Starting at $69.99
Quantity
:
size
:
Miniatus Grouper Cephalopholis miniata
Description: Bright red with iridescent blue spots
on the body and head. Juveniles may lack spots or have fewer,
larger spots. Like its cousins, the miniatus is a durable species
that will thrive in captivity. Although it can be shy when initially
introduced to the aquarium, with time it will spend more time
in the open, becoming quite bold in time. Only one Miniatus grouper
should be kept per aquarium, as they are prone to fight with
one another. It will eat any fish that they can swallow whole
and behave aggressively towards tankmates that intrude into its
preferred hiding places. It will also eat ornamental shrimps
and crabs. The Miniatus Grouper is a large and very hardy fish
which requires a large aquarium. It can be compatible with other
fish provided they are too large to be eaten. It should not be
trusted around invertebrates or small fish.
Recommended
Tank size:
minimum 100 gallon
Food and
diet:In the wild this reef
predator commonly attacks schools of reef-dwelling fish. In the
aquarium, freeze-dried krill soaked in Selcon, feeder goldfish,
or squid are acceptable.
Reef Compatability:Safe
with corals but will eat ornamental shrimps and crabs and any
fish it can swallow.
Level of
Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate
Purchase Size:
Small: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 5" ;Large
5" to 7"
Starting at $69.99
Quantity
:
size
:
Panther Grouper Cromileptes altivelis
Description: A very popular grouper and saltwater
aquarium fish, this is perhaps one of the easiest to care for
of all available marine aquarium fish. A fast growing fish that
needs plenty of food. Large specimens are commonly used to cycle
new aquariums. This grouper is rarely aggressive, definitely
more passive than most groupers and will ignore its fish tankmates,
unless they are small enough to swallow whole.
Recommended
Tank size:
minimum 100 gallon
Food and
diet:carnivorous, feed a
varied diet of meaty foods
Reef Compatability:Safe
with corals but will eat ornamental shrimps and crabs and any
fish it can swallow.
Level of
Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate
Purchase Size:
Small: 1-1/2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 5"
Starting at $28.99
Quantity
:
size
:
Comet Marine Betta Calloplesiops altivelis
Description:
Marine Betta
fish (Calloplesiops altivelis) is a member of the grouper group
and are found in the Indo-Pacific ocean. They are widely available
in the aquarium trade and smaller specimens are usually a better
purchase since they more easily adapts to new environments. They
can grow to be 11 inches in aquariums even if most specimens
never reach anywhere near this length 6 inches is a more common
size for an adult Marine Betta. They are a hardy species if their
feeding habits are meet and only seldom suffers from diseases.
Marine Betta
fish spend most of their time in caves and can be kept in relatively
small aquariums. A 55 gallon aquarium tank is enough to keep
a pair of this species. They are predators and should as such
not be kept with fish that are small enough to be considered
food. They can usually be kept with not to small invertebrates.
Marine Betta fish can if they are kept well feed usually be kept
with smaller fish without touching them. However you should be
aware of the risk that the smaller fish gets eaten if you try
this. (try at you own risk) Marine Betta fish should never be
kept with fast eating fish like damsels.
Recommended
Tank size:
minimum 50 gallon
Food and
diet:carnivorous, feed a
varied diet of meaty foods
Reef Compatability:The Marine
Betta is not commonly kept in a reef-style aquarium, but it is
reported to be safe with corals and anemones, however, it will
eat all small fish and shrimp.
Level of
Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate
Purchase Size:
2-1/2" to 4-1/2"
$79.99
Quantity
:
Louti Cherry Grouper Variola louti
Description: This is a great looking fish. Although it can be
shy when initially introduced to the aquarium, with time it will
spend more time in the open, becoming quite bold. Only one Louti
Cherry Grouper should be kept per aquarium. Like all groupers,
it will eat any fish that they can swallow whole and behave aggressively
towards tankmates that intrude into its preferred hiding places.
It will also eat ornamental shrimps and crabs. Extremely easy
to care for.
Recommended
Tank size:
minimum 100 gallon
Food and
diet:carnivorous, feed a
varied diet of meaty foods
Reef Compatability:Safe
with corals but will eat ornamental shrimps and crabs and any
fish it can swallow.
Level of
Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate
Purchase Size: Small:
2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 5"; Large: 5"
to 7"
Starting at $39.99
Quantity
:
size
:
Saddleback Grouper Plectropomus laevis
Description: A very rare grouper that has just showed
up the last few years in the aquarium trade. It is a fast growing
fish that needs plenty of food.
Recommended
Tank size:
minimum 100 gallon
Food and
diet:carnivorous, feed a
varied diet of meaty foods
Reef Compatability:Safe
with corals but will eat ornamental shrimps and crabs and any
fish it can swallow.
Level of
Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate
Purchase Size: Small:
2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 5"; Large: 5"
to 7"
Starting at $59.99
Quantity
:
size
:
Blue
Spotted Grouper Cephalopholis argus
Description: Blue spotted Groupers are found living near coral
reefs throughout the Indo-pacific where they hunt for small fish
or invertebrates to consume. This species is often referred to
by a number of names within the marine aquarium hobby, including:
Blue Dot Grouper, Argus Grouper, Peacock Hind or Peacock Grouper.
The Bluespotted Groupers body is a mottled brown & tan color
with six verticle white bands running from just behind the pectoral
fins to the tailfin. The white bands can appear anywhere from
very prominent to almost completely faded depending on the aquarium
environment and the fishes current disposition. The fins are
a dark blue color, with a lighter blue outline and the entire
body is covered by bright blue dots.
Recommended
Tank size:
This is a larger predatory
fish species, that is suitable only for very large (100 gallons
or more) fish-only aquariums with other semi-aggressive to aggressive
fish species. While this fish is considered easy to keep, it
does require excellent water conditions in addition to a large
aquarium to be properly housed. Bluespotted Groupers appreciate
a lot of live rock with plenty of large caves and rock crevices
for them to rest on and swim about. Since Bluespotted Groupers
eat large meaty items, they create a lot of waste products, therefore
it is important to have a very strong biological filter setup
to handled the load this and other large predator species put
on a filter system. This species should only be kept with other
large semi-aggressive to aggressive fish species, as they will
eat any fish or ornamental invertebrates that they can fit in
their mouth. They can be aggressive towards other larger fish,
but are usually not too bad in this regard and nothing like the
level of aggressiveness seen in species like the Undulated Triggerfish.
Food and
diet:(Carnivore) Thrives
on meaty items. Offers such things as krill, shrimp, and feeder
fish. Crustacean flesh is also a good option. Feed 2 to 4 times
a WEEK.
Reef Compatability:Safe
with corals but will eat ornamental shrimps and crabs and any
fish it can swallow.
Level of
Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate
Purchase Size: Small:
2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 5"; Large: 5"
to 7"
Starting at $79.99
Quantity
:
size
:
Blue
line Grouper Cepholopholis formosa
Description: Blue Line Grouper or as they are also commnly known
as the Boenacki Grouper or Blue Line Sea Bass are an Indo-Pacific
species that dwells in and around coral reefs and rocky areas.
This species is best suited for FO (fish only) or FOWLR (fish
only with live rock) aquariums with other large aggressive or
semi-aggressive fish species. rizontal lines that cover the entire
body and its dorsal and tailfins.
Recommended
Tank size:
Blue Line Groupers require
large aquariums with excellent filtration to accomodate their
size and feeding habits. As Blue Line Groupers eat large meals
they end up producing a lot of waste products, which means they
need excellent filtration (especially biological and mechanical)
in order to keep the water quality high. While this species is
not harmful to corals, it is best suited for fish-only aquariums
as it will eat any fish that it can fit in its mouth and will
eat most any type of crustacean. Blue Line Groupers live near
the fringes of coral reefs in the wild, they should be provided
an aquarium environment that contains both live rock formations
and open swimming areas. They do best with other large predatory
species (triggerfish, eels, sharks, etc.) or with adult semi-aggressive
species (large angelfish, tangs, etc.).
Food and
diet: (Carnivore) Thrives
on meaty items. Offers such things as krill, shrimp, and feeder
fish. Crustacean flesh is also a good option. Feed 2 to 4 times
a WEEK.
Reef Compatability:Safe
with corals but will eat ornamental shrimps and crabs and any
fish it can swallow.
Level of
Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate
Purchase Size:
Small: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 5"; Large:
5" to 7"
Starting at $59.99
Quantity
:
size
:
Polleni
Grouper Cepholopholis polleni
Description: The Polleni Grouper is rarely seen in
the aquarium trade because it is a deep-water fish and bolts
into hiding when approached by divers. It should be housed in
an aquarium with a cave in which it can hide. This species is
shy when acclimating and will defend its hiding place from intruders.
It will eat any fish small enough to fit into its mouth, as well
as many ornamental crustaceans.The Polleni Grouper is found on
reef slopes and dropoffs in deep water. It is often seen in caves
and reef recesses, swimming upside-down under the roof of the
cave. It is usually found at depths greater than 150 feet.Like
all groupers, the polleni had a voracious appetite and is easy
to maintain.
Recommended
Tank size:
Polleni Groupers require
large aquariums with excellent filtration to accomodate their
size and feeding habits. As Blue Line Groupers eat large meals
they end up producing a lot of waste products, which means they
need excellent filtration (especially biological and mechanical)
in order to keep the water quality high. While this species is
not harmful to corals, it is best suited for fish-only aquariums
as it will eat any fish that it can fit in its mouth and will
eat most any type of crustacean. Blue Line Groupers live near
the fringes of coral reefs in the wild, they should be provided
an aquarium environment that contains both live rock formations
and open swimming areas. They do best with other large predatory
species (triggerfish, eels, sharks, etc.) or with adult semi-aggressive
species (large angelfish, tangs, etc.).
Food and
diet: (Carnivore) Thrives
on meaty items. Offers such things as krill, shrimp, and feeder
fish. Crustacean flesh is also a good option. Feed 2 to 4 times
a WEEK.
Reef Compatability:Safe
with corals but will eat ornamental shrimps and crabs and any
fish it can swallow.
Level of
Care: Easy
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Approximate
Purchase Size:
3" to 5"
$199.99
Quantity
:
YOUR FISH HEALTH DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU FEED
THEM- FEED THEM THE BEST FISH FOODS
Why Use New Life
Spectrum Fish Foods? All-natural
New Life Spectrum contains absolutely no hormones. New Life Spectrum
noticeably increases both color and vigor in both marine and
freshwater fish. Premium ingredients produce results superior
to other pellets, and even specialized fresh food (such as brine
shrimp, seaweed, etc.) without pollution. The high-density, nutritious
pellets help prevent lateral line disease, as well as other ailments
related to faltering health. New Life Spectrum provides trace
elements present in natural environments, but missing in aquariums.
Using Other Brands:
Even some hard to feed marine fish will eat New Life Spectrum
fish food. Pellets are designed with no dust and will stay in
the water for hours without disintegrating, reducing pollution.
New Life Spectrum is suitable for omnivorous, herbivorous, and
many carnivorous fish. Ounce-for-ounce, New Life Spectrum provides
far better nutrition than flake food, and is less-expensive relative
to weight.
- High-quality easily digestible krill & fish meal protein
- Balanced daily diet for all marine fish
- Boosts immune system to repel parasites
- Enhances the full spectrum of your fish's color
We
Highly Recommend you use
Spectrum Fish Food by Newlife
Feed your fish a better
food and watch their health and colors improve
Starting At - $7.99
Quantity
:
Select Your Food
:
&
Photos are representative of each species. Each animal is unique
and variations should be expected.
Order
with confidence.... Guaranteed
ordering privacy...
This site features advanced encryption technology...
Please note:
Aquatic Connection will
not guarantee the coloration of corals as seen in your reef system.
Reason? Not all corals from our tanks and lighting
will look the same when they are in your tanks. Everybody's tanks
have different lighting setups, spectrums, combinations, etc.
Aquatic Connection's tanks are lit by 400 watt 20K Halide bulbs.
We use this combination for best growth. But for best viewing
this is not the best lighting choice. Aquatic Connection photographs
all polyps under Actinic only lighting. This brings out
the true zoanthilia and protopalythoa colors. If your tank consists
of all daylight (10K's, 14K's etc.) with minimal actinic lighting,
your not going to see the vibrant true colors. We suggest you
add true actinic lamps also and turn these on in the evening
without the daylight lighting for proper color viewing.
