Vermillion seabass (Cephalopholis miniata) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Serranidae (sea basses and groupers)
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
50 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.020–1.025
Minimum tank
1100 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
aggressive

Care

Needs a very large tank with a big cave and open swimming space. The minimum tank size of about 1100 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. The list gives no description.. 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

The list gives no reef-safe rating. It will eat small fish, shrimps and crabs, so keep it only with large, robust fish. Corals are usually left alone.

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

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