Strawberry grouper (Cephalopholis spiloparaea) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Strawberry hind, Strawberry rock cod, Strawberry cod, Orange rock cod
Family
Serranidae (groupers and sea basses)
Origin
Indo-Pacific, from Kenya to Mozambique east to French Polynesia and Pitcairn, Ryukyus to Western Australia; island reefs, usually deeper than 40 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
30 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.020–1.025
Minimum tank
600 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
no

Care

Tank and decor: a fish-only system with caves and fairly subdued light, as it comes from deeper reefs. The tank size given is an estimate based on its adult size. Water: the sources give no species-specific figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.020–1.025. Keep nitrate low and the water well oxygenated. Behaviour: lives in harems led by a male; forages at night or around dawn. Identification: orange-red with paler mottling. Status: of minor fisheries importance; its depth gives it some protection. IUCN: Least Concern. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cephalopholisspiloparaea). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Feeds mainly on crabs and other crustaceans, at night or around dawn. Offer prawn, crab meat, mysis and fish.

Breeding

Not described beyond its harem social structure.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: eats crabs, shrimps and small fish. Keep with fish too large to swallow.

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

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