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(cromileptes altivelis)
Saltwater
Found in crevices and swimming along the reefs of the Indo-Pacific Ocean regions, this fish has an off-white body with large, vivid black spots. These spots act as camouflage, breaking up the look of the body's shape often making it difficult to tell that this is a fish. Looking at a picture, it is often hard to find this fish, as it can look like the rock it is spread upon. Interestingly, this fish will hover and then swim slowly toward its prey, then... POW! dinner. Absolutely an opportunistic predator. An easy to care for fish, it is a good fish for the beginner aquarist. Known also as a Polka Dot Grouper and a Humpback Grouper.
Size: tiny 1 1/2"-2"; sm. 2"-3 1/4"; med. 3"-4 1/2"; lg. 4 3/4"-6 1/4"; xl. 6 1/2"-7 1/2' (rare)
No. in Tank: one or a mated pair
Tank: min. 100 gallons
Temperament: Aggressive
Food: (Carnivore) Its natural diet is crustaceans and marine fish. Offer meaty items such as krill, shrimp, squid, prawns, dried fish, crustacean flesh and feeder fish (it will prey upon the feeders and, with an unexpected, sudden burst of speed, eat the feeder). Due to its hearty appetite, a lot of waste material is produced, requiring an excellent water filtration system (see Adaptation section, below). Feed 2 to 4 times a WEEK.
Light: Medium
Adaptation: Prior to introducing the fish, make sure there is an excellent water filtration system to filter the large amounts of waste products this fish will produce. Often shy at first, it will get bolder with time. Need good hiding places and room to swim. Also, this fish needs room in which to extend its flowing fins. Having a tendency to quickly dart about, it will dislodge corals, often sending them off as projectiles.
Compatibility: A mated pair is fine but no other groupers should be in the aquarium, as they have a tendency to fight. This fish will eat any tank-mate it can get into it's mouth and swallow, therefore tank-mates should be large and semi-aggressive or aggressive, to protect itself from the aggressive behavior this fish will use against them. Will eat crustaceans, ornamental shrimps and crabs. Corals are safe, but dislodge-able. Do not put this fish in an aquarium with triggers or eels, as they are too aggressive for this fish.
**GOOD FOR THE BEGINNER AQUARIST
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