Tomato Grouper

Tomato Grouper (Cephalopholis sonnerati). It is an aggressive species that is not reef-safe, admired for its striking reddish-orange coloration with lighter spots, bold patterns, large size, and powerful predatory nature. Males typically develop deeper coloration, grow larger, and display more territorial behavior, while females/juveniles are smaller with slightly less intense coloration.

They reach about 20–24 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 250 gallons. Provide ample live rock with caves/hiding spots, open swimming space, and a sturdy aquascape, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4). A secure lid is essential since they are strong, sudden movers.

Diet should consist of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, fish, silversides, krill, and high-quality carnivore pellets. With proper care, this fish makes a striking showpiece predator in a large aquarium, though it is best kept alone or with other very large, robust tankmates.

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.