Blue-line Grouper

The Blue-line Grouper is an attractive and moderately sized member of the Cephalopholis genus, distinguished by its warm brown to olive body adorned with striking blue spots and fine blue lines that trace across the head and body. The pattern of blue markings varies between individuals and becomes more pronounced as the fish matures, giving each specimen a unique and handsome appearance. At a maximum size of around 13 inches, it falls into the mid-range of aquarium grouper sizes.

In the wild, Cephalopholis formosa inhabits coral reefs, rocky slopes, and reef flats throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific. It is typically found at moderate depths of 10 to 40 meters, where it establishes territories among coral formations and rocky overhangs. Like other members of its genus, it is an ambush predator that feeds primarily on small fish and crustaceans, using its large mouth and explosive acceleration to capture prey that ventures too close.

In the aquarium, the Blue-line Grouper is a hardy and adaptable species that adjusts well to captive conditions once properly acclimated. It requires a minimum tank size of 125 gallons with plenty of rockwork arranged to create caves and overhangs for territorial establishment. While it is generally peaceful toward fish too large to eat, it is decidedly not reef-safe and will readily consume ornamental shrimp, crabs, and small fish. It makes an excellent centerpiece for a fish-only or FOWLR predator community tank.