Page 274 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

272 MARINE FISH DIRECTORY

Epinephelus fasciatus Hypoplectrus guttavarius Hypoplectrus gemma
Blacktip Grouper Shy Hamlet Blue Hamlet

ORIGINS Ranges eastward from the Red Sea, via the ORIGINS Found in the Caribbean region, from Florida ORIGINS The Caribbean region, from the coast of Florida
Indo-Pacific region, to Oceania. down to the coast of South America. down to northern South America.
SIZE 14 in (35 cm). SIZE 6 in (15 cm). SIZE 5 in (13 cm).
DIET Thawed and dry marine foods. DIET Fresh or thawed marine foods. DIET Thawed marine foods.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024. (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024. (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024.
TEMPERAMENT Do not house with invertebrates. TEMPERAMENT Retiring and peaceful. TEMPERAMENT Predatory.
The appearance of these groupers, or Rock Cod as The blackish upper and lower edges on the caudal
they are also known, can be very variable. Some fin distinguish this species from the much rarer
individuals show more numerous or extensive Indigo Hamlet (H. indigo). Blue Hamlets are
reddish-orange body markings and smaller white predatory by nature and cannot be kept safely with
patches than others. However, the presence of smaller companions. They are more sensitive to
black tipping along the dorsal fin is a consistent water quality than their larger relatives; the
feature. Blacktip Groupers spend most of their total nitrate reading should not be allowed to
time on or near the base of the aquarium, where rise above 10 ppm. For this reason, the tank’s
they also feed. They are solitary by nature. filtration system should include a protein skimmer.
The back of this hamlet is dark in some specimens
but a much bluer shade in others. These fish need
nooks and crannies in the aquarium where they
can hide, although they do become bolder once
they are established in their quarters. It is possible
to breed Shy Hamlets in home aquariums. Amazingly,
each fish is a hermaphrodite, possessing both male
and female sex organs, so any two Shy Hamlets
should be able to mate successfully.

Cephalopholis argus
INTIMIDATING GAPE
Blue-Spotted Grouper rapidly and can reach a large size. This demands
both a correspondingly large aquarium and an Groupers are not the most active fish on
ORIGINS Ranges from the Red Sea throughout the efficient filtration system. Any loss of color is the reef, but they are still effective predators,
Pacific Ocean. usually a sign of deteriorating water quality; this thanks to their quick reflexes, large mouths,
SIZE 20 in (50 cm). needs to be monitored closely. Blue-Spotted and fearsome array of teeth, as visible in
DIET Thawed marine foods. Groupers are not particularly active fish, seeking this Marbled Grouper (Epinephelus
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline out suitable retreats near the bottom of the polyphekadion). The spotted patterning helps
(pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024. aquarium, where they can lurk and wait for food. to conceal them as they lie in wait for small
TEMPERAMENT Will prey on smaller fish. Their attractive patterning of black-ringed blue fish or invertebrates to swim within reach.
spots extends over the fins as well as the body, A grouper will also open its mouth wide to
The striking coloration of these groupers has made but the distribution of spotted markings differs intimidate rivals. Some groupers reach a huge
them popular with marine aquarists, but as in the between individuals. The spots appear to glitter size on the reef, with relatives of the Blacktip
case of similar species, they are likely to grow when caught by the light. Grouper (see top left) weighing 1,000 lb (450
kg) and measuring nearly 10 ft (3 m).

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