ExpertAggressiveNot Reef Safe

Black Grouper

Mycteroperca bonaci

Family: Serranidae · Groupers & Basslets

Also known as: Black Rockfish, Bonacie Arara, Marbled Rockfish

Max Size

52"

Min Tank

500 gal

Lifespan

25-30 years

Origin

Western Atlantic, Caribbean

Diet

Carnivore

Swims

Bottom

About

The Black Grouper is one of the largest species in the Mycteroperca genus, reaching an impressive 52 inches in the wild. Its dark olive to black coloration is overlaid with irregular rectangular blotches, giving it a marbled appearance that provides excellent camouflage among rocky reef structures.

In the wild, Black Groupers are apex predators found on rocky reefs, coral formations, and artificial structures throughout the Western Atlantic and Caribbean. They are important commercially and recreationally fished species, and their populations have been subject to significant fishing pressure.

Due to its enormous adult size, the Black Grouper is strictly a public aquarium species and is not suitable for home aquariums. A tank of at least 500 gallons would be the absolute minimum for a juvenile specimen, and even that would be quickly outgrown. Only public aquariums and institutional facilities with massive systems should consider housing this species.

Feeding & Diet

Carnivore

A voracious carnivore that feeds on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. In institutional settings, feed a varied diet of whole fish, squid, shrimp, and other marine protein sources. Adults require feeding every 2-3 days. Juveniles should be fed daily with appropriately sized prey items.

Compatibility

predatorpublic-aquariumlarge-fish-onlyhigh-bioload

The Black Grouper is an aggressive apex predator that will eat any fish it can overpower. In public aquarium settings, it can be housed with other very large species such as sharks, rays, large moray eels, and other massive groupers. Completely unsuitable for community tank setups.

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Breeding

Not bred in captivity

Black Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites that form large spawning aggregations in the wild. They transition from female to male at around 10-15 years of age. Captive breeding is not feasible due to the species' enormous size and complex reproductive behavior.