Banded Grouper

The Banded Grouper is a robust predatory fish from the Western Pacific, recognized by its distinctive dark vertical banding pattern across a pale to brownish body. Like many groupers, it is an ambush predator that relies on its cryptic coloration to blend into rocky reef structures before striking at unsuspecting prey.

In the wild, Banded Groupers inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates at depths ranging from 10 to 60 meters. They are solitary and territorial, establishing home ranges around caves and overhangs where they can retreat and ambush prey. Their diet consists primarily of smaller fish and crustaceans.

In captivity, the Banded Grouper requires a spacious aquarium with ample rockwork to provide hiding spots and territorial boundaries. At a maximum size of 14 inches, it is a moderately sized grouper that is manageable for experienced hobbyists with appropriately sized systems. It is not reef-safe and will consume any tankmate small enough to swallow whole.