Speckled Hind

The Speckled Hind is a deepwater grouper distinguished by its reddish-brown body densely covered in small white or cream-colored spots. This rare species inhabits rocky reefs and ledges at depths of 25 to 200 meters, making it one of the more elusive groupers encountered by divers and fishermen alike. Its striking spotted pattern sets it apart from most other Atlantic groupers.

In the wild, Speckled Hinds are solitary ambush predators that feed primarily on fish and crustaceans near deep reef structures. They are slow-growing and long-lived, reaching impressive sizes of up to 35 inches. Due to overfishing and their preference for deep, hard-bottom habitats, wild populations have declined significantly, making this species a conservation concern.

In captivity, the Speckled Hind is extremely rarely kept due to its large adult size, deepwater origins, and the difficulty of sourcing specimens. A minimum of 400 gallons is required, and the tank should feature ample rockwork with caves and ledges to replicate its natural deep-reef environment. Only expert aquarists with public-aquarium-scale systems should attempt to house this species.