Description

Miniatus Grouper – Cephalopholis miniata

Overview:
The Miniatus Grouper, commonly known as the Coral Grouper, is renowned for its vibrant red-orange body covered with small, electric blue spots. Its striking coloration and graceful movements make it a true centerpiece for large marine aquariums.

Origin:
Native to the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific, inhabiting coral reefs and rocky areas.

Feeding:
Carnivorous – thrives on a diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, fish, squid, and other protein-rich marine offerings. Regular feeding helps maintain its vivid coloration.

Tank Mates:
Best kept with large, robust fish. Smaller fish and invertebrates may be eaten, so careful tank mate selection is necessary.

Aggression:
Territorial and predatory – requires ample swimming space and rockwork for hiding and establishing territory.

Experience Level:
Advanced aquarists – needs a mature, well-filtered aquarium and experienced handling due to its predatory nature.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025
Minimum Tank Size: 250+ gallons

The Miniatus Grouper is a visually stunning and powerful predator, perfect for advanced aquarists seeking a bold centerpiece for a large reef or predator-specific marine setup.