ExpertAggressiveNot Reef Safe

Malabar Grouper

Epinephelus malabaricus

Family: Serranidae · Groupers & Basslets

Also known as: Malabar Rockcod, Estuary Cod, Blackspot Cod, Giant Grouper

Max Size

91"

Min Tank

1000 gal

Lifespan

30-40 years

Origin

Indo-Pacific, Red Sea

Diet

Carnivore

Swims

Bottom

About

The Malabar Grouper is one of the largest bony fish in the world, capable of reaching an enormous 91 inches (over 7.5 feet) in length and weighing over 300 pounds. Its body is brownish to olive-green with numerous dark spots and blotches, and it has a massive, powerful build that makes it one of the most imposing fish on any reef it inhabits.

In the wild, Malabar Groupers have an extensive range throughout the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Australia and the Western Pacific. They inhabit a wide variety of habitats including coral reefs, estuaries, mangroves, and even brackish waters. As apex predators, they feed on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods, and have been known to consume small sharks and rays.

This species is strictly for public aquariums only. With a minimum tank requirement of 1,000 gallons and a maximum size approaching 8 feet, no home aquarium can adequately house an adult Malabar Grouper. Juveniles are sometimes offered in the aquarium trade but grow rapidly and will quickly outgrow any home system.

Feeding & Diet

Carnivore

An apex carnivore capable of consuming very large prey items including fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, and even small sharks. In institutional settings, feed whole fish, squid, and other large marine protein sources. Adults require feeding 2-3 times per week with substantial portions appropriate to their enormous size.

Compatibility

predatorpublic-aquariumapex-predatorhigh-bioload

The Malabar Grouper is an apex predator that will consume virtually any tankmate it can overpower. In public aquarium settings, house only with other enormous species such as large sharks, rays, and giant moray eels. Juveniles sold in the aquarium trade will rapidly outgrow any home system and should not be purchased by home aquarists.

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Breeding

Not bred in captivity

Malabar Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites. They have been successfully spawned in aquaculture facilities for food production, but ornamental captive breeding is not practiced. Wild populations form spawning aggregations that are increasingly vulnerable to overfishing.