Marine Groupers

General
Most are hardy fish that are suitable for beginners. Several species do grow quite large though, so know how big your fish is going to get and whether or not you're are going to be able to care for it.

Feeding/Diet
Groupers are ambush predators that stalk their prey and then pounce, swallovwing their victim whole. They are able to eat anything they can stuff in their mouths. They can usually be trained to eat prepared foods. A diet of feeder goldfish is completely inadequate. There are many different frozen or freeze-dried meaty foods that would make an excellent diet, such as shrimp, krill, silversides, and any of the prepared Ocean Nutrition Formula foods.

Compatibility
Good tank mates would include suitably sized eels, lionfish, squirrelfish, tangs, triggers, and wrasses.

Habitat
These are big messy eaters, so significant biological filtration is required. Strong protein skimming and use of activate carbon is also recommended to keep their water clear. A 75 gallon tank should be considered the minimum.

Best Bets
Almost all of the groupers are hardy species, with the exception of the Hamlets being slightly more difficult. Please check the adult size of any grouper before you buy it. Some can grow quite large.

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