Blue Dot Grouper

The Blue Dot Grouper, also known as the Peacock Hind, is a large and robust predatory fish distinguished by its dark brown body covered in vivid blue-rimmed ocelli (eye-spots). This species is one of the most widespread groupers in the Indo-Pacific, found from the Red Sea to the Hawaiian Islands.

In the wild, Blue Dot Groupers are apex predators on coral reefs, primarily hunting smaller reef fish and crustaceans during dawn and dusk. They are known for their intelligence and territorial behavior, often claiming specific sections of reef as their own and defending them vigorously against conspecifics.

In the home aquarium, this is strictly an advanced-level fish due to its large adult size (up to 24 inches), aggressive temperament, and substantial space requirements. A minimum tank size of 180 gallons is essential, with larger being better. They are not reef-safe and will consume any fish or crustacean small enough to eat. However, their intelligence, personality, and striking appearance make them rewarding pets for experienced aquarists with appropriately sized systems.