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(cephalopholis miniata)
Saltwater
Found in the coral reefs of Australia, in the Indo-Pacific Ocean region, this very hardy fish, which thrives in captivity, is known as a "Coral Trout Round-Tail" to Aussies. In the wild, this grouper will dart through reefs looking for schools of fish to appease its appetite. Though it has the ability to change with its surroundings, generally it is bright red with iridescent blue spots all over its body and head. A real COOL! looking fish. As a juvenile, the blue spots are either larger and fewer or gone completely. Known also as a Minata or Coral Grouper and a Coral or Blue-Spot Rock Cod.
Size: sm. 2'-3"; med. 2 1/2"-4"; lg. 4"-6"; rarely exceeds 12" (yet can).
No. in Tank: ONE! Prone to fighting.
Tank: min. 125 gallon
Temperament: Aggressive
Food: (Carnivore) Likes meaty items. Offer such things as freeze-dried krill soaked in Sekon, squid and feeder fish (which it will prey upon with great bursts of speed and energy.) Crustaceans and crustacean flesh are not in this fish's diet. Feed 2 to 4 times a WEEK.
Light: Medium
Adaptation: This fish is shy when first introduced, but will get bolder with time. Provide hiding places and room to swim at the bottom of the aquarium. An excellent water filtration system is a must, as this fish will produce a large amount of waste product. It loves to prey upon live feeder fish.
Compatibility: This is a very territorial fish, therefore no other groupers should be in the aquarium. Great tank-mates are those fish and other species that are too large to fit into this fish's mouth and swallowed. Choose moderately aggressive and semi-aggressive tank-mates. It has a voracious appetite, yet corals do not interest this fish, though it may dislodge them as it swiftly darts about the bottom of the aquarium. Extremely aggressive tank-mates such as triggers and eels will intrude upon this fish, causing it to hide.
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