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(variola louti)
Saltwater
Found swimming the Indo-Pacific Ocean region, this "cousin" to the Cherry Louti has toned downed hues. While still red-orange on the upper half of it's body, the hue is darker, almost a maroon. The large-sized fish does has a maroon-lavender color scheme, yet is rare in the aquarium trade. This louti also has light pink spots throughout it's body, in addition to a black stripe running horizontally on the side and a black spot at the base of the caudal fin. An easy to care for fish, good for the beginner aquarist. Also known by the names of Lyretail Grouper, Coronation Grouper and Skunk Grouper.
Size: sm. 2 1/2"-3 1/2"; med. 3"-4"; lg.. 4"-6" (rare); can grow to a maximum of 36"
No. in Tank: One!
Tank: min. 75 gallons; larger fish need min. 300 gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
Food: (Carnivore) Natural diet includes crustaceans. Offer this fish meaty items such as krill, sliced shrimp, feeder fish and crustacean flesh. It has a hearty appetite, producing large amounts of waste products. (see Adaptation section, below). Feed 2 to 4 times a WEEK.
Light: Medium
Adaptation: When first introduced, this fish is shy but with time will swim more and more out into the open water. Needs plenty of hiding places such as caves and room to swim. Due to its hearty appetite, an excellent water filtration system is required to remove the copious amounts of waste materials it will produce. This is a potentially large fish and plans should be made for its growth.
Compatibility: This fish will behave aggressively towards its tank-mates, therefore tank-mates should be semi-aggressive or aggressive and large enough not to fit into this fish's mouth. Anything that fits and can be swallowed will become that day's meal. Crustaceans, ornamental crabs and shrimp will also be eaten. Corals are generally safe with this fish, but may get dislodged as the fish darts past it with surprising bursts of speed. Often corals can become projectiles.
**GOOD FOR BEGINNER AQUARIST
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