Peacock Grouper

The peacock grouper is recognized by the black-edged blue spots covering its dark brown body from head to tail; the rear of the body often has 5–6 faint vertical bars and the chest area has a light-colored patch. In the wild it lives on shallow coral reefs in groups of up to 12 individuals led by a dominant male; most of its diet is fish. Its common size is around 40 cm, and it can reach up to 60 cm. Specimens are wild-collected; although juveniles look cute, the adult size and predatory nature should be taken into account before buying.

• At least 1000 liters and a large footprint for an adult; strong filtration and a protein skimmer.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• A large cave its whole body fits into and firmly secured rocks.
• Reef-safe with caution: It leaves corals alone, but eats fish, shrimp and crabs.

Carnivorous. Chopped fish, shrimp, squid and mussels; feed adults 3–4 times a week. Overfeeding leads to fatty buildup.

A calm ambush predator; it usually gets along with fish too large to fit in its mouth. It may be territorial towards bottom-dwelling fish that approach its cave.

Good companions: Fish larger than or similar in size to itself: large tangs, large angelfish, triggerfish, morays, large wrasses.

Avoid: All fish that fit in its mouth, shrimp and crabs, small aquariums.