Blacktip grouper (Epinephelus fasciatus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Serranidae (sea basses and groupers)
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
40 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.020–1.025
Minimum tank
900 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
aggressive
Reef safe
no

Care

Needs a large tank with a big cave and open swimming space. The minimum tank size of about 900 litres is our own estimate from the adult size and habits, not a figure from the sources. No species-specific water figures are given in the sources, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance rather than figures for this fish: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.020–1.025 (a fish-only system suits it). Keep conditions stable, with low nitrate and good oxygenation. A sit-and-wait predator that spends much of its time in a cave and claims it as territory. Hardy and tough but grows quickly. Black-tipped dorsal spines and sometimes a dark red cap above the eyes; one colour form has a mostly pale body. Groupers are sometimes sold as small juveniles; buyers should be told the adult size. This page was written from the Wikipedia list entry only; the species article could not be checked this time, so details should be confirmed before relying on them. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A predator that eats fish and crustaceans. Feed meaty marine foods such as chopped fish, prawns, squid and mussels, plus enriched frozen foods, two or three times a week for adults and more often for juveniles. Avoid feeding only freshwater fish.

Breeding

Groupers are pelagic spawners and many species change sex from female to male as they grow. Not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: it will eat any fish, shrimp or crab that fits in its mouth, and its mouth is large. Keep only with large, robust fish such as big angelfish, tangs, triggerfish and moray eels. Corals are usually left alone, but tankmates are not.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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