Coral Grouper

The Coral Grouper (Cephalopholis miniata) is a semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its striking red-to-orange coloration covered with vibrant blue spots, bold patterns, and robust body structure.

Males typically display brighter coloration, larger body size, and more territorial behavior, while females/juveniles are smaller, with slightly duller hues and less pronounced blue spotting.

They reach about 18 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 250 gallons. Provide ample live rock for hiding spaces and caves, a sandbed for natural behavior, and plenty of open swimming space, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4). A secure lid is essential, as groupers may jump when startled.

Diet should consist of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, krill, silversides, squid, clams, and other protein-rich offerings. They may also accept high-quality frozen or pellet carnivore formulas, but live or fresh seafood often brings out their best condition.

With proper care, the Coral Grouper makes a bold and commanding showpiece in large aquariums, though it is best kept with similarly sized tank mates to avoid predation.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.