IntermediateSemi-AggressiveNot Reef Safe
V-tail Grouper
Cephalopholis urodeta
Family: Serranidae · Groupers & Basslets
Also known as: Flagtail Grouper, Darkfin Hind, V-tail Hind
(c) wenxin W, all rights reserved
Max Size
10"
Min Tank
75 gal
Lifespan
10-15 years
Origin
Indo-Pacific, Western Pacific
Diet
Carnivore
Swims
Bottom
About
The V-tail Grouper is a compact and colorful member of the Cephalopholis genus, named for the distinctive V-shaped or chevron-like white markings on its caudal fin that form a clear visual signature. The body is a rich reddish-orange to deep crimson, sometimes with faint darker bars or spots, creating an overall warm and vivid appearance. Compared to many grouper species, the V-tail Grouper is relatively small, reaching a maximum of about 10 inches, making it one of the more aquarium-appropriate members of the family.
In the wild, Cephalopholis urodeta is found across the Indo-Pacific, particularly common around reef flats, lagoon patch reefs, and outer reef slopes in areas such as Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Indonesia, and the broader Western Pacific region. It prefers depths of 2 to 40 meters and is a territorial species that establishes home ranges around coral heads and rocky overhangs. It is an ambush predator that darts out from cover to capture small fish and crustaceans that pass within range.
In the aquarium, the V-tail Grouper is a hardy and personable species that makes an excellent introduction to the grouper family for intermediate-level hobbyists. Its moderate adult size means it can be comfortably housed in a 75-gallon or larger aquarium, which is considerably more practical than the 200+ gallon requirements of larger species. It acclimates well to captivity, quickly learning to accept frozen foods and developing a bold, outgoing personality. As with all groupers, it is not safe with small fish or ornamental shrimp, but it coexists well with similarly sized or larger robust tankmates.
Feeding & Diet
Carnivore
The V-tail Grouper is a strict carnivore that feeds on small fish and crustaceans. In captivity, offer frozen silversides, mysis shrimp, krill, raw table shrimp, squid, and high-quality carnivore pellets. It is typically an eager feeder that accepts frozen food readily. Feed every other day for adults and daily for juveniles. Provide a varied diet to ensure complete nutrition and prevent fatty liver disease.
Compatibility
predatorFOWLRterritorialmoderate-size
The V-tail Grouper is semi-aggressive and territorial, but its moderate size makes it compatible with a wider range of tankmates than larger grouper species. It will eat small fish and ornamental shrimp. Best kept with medium to large fish such as tangs, angelfish, wrasses, hawkfish, and other similarly sized semi-aggressive species. Provide ample rockwork to reduce territorial disputes. Not safe with small community fish or invertebrates.
Check CompatibilityBreeding
Not bred in captivity
V-tail Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites that transition from female to male as they grow. Larger, dominant individuals are typically male. Captive breeding has not been accomplished. In the wild, they participate in group spawning events where eggs are released into the water column for pelagic development.
Special Requirements
- Provide caves and overhangs for territorial establishment
- Will eat any fish or shrimp small enough to fit in its mouth
- More manageable size than most groupers — suitable for 75+ gallon tanks
- Strong filtration recommended for carnivore bioload
- Territorial — may become aggressive toward new additions
Water Parameters
Temperature72–78°F
Specific Gravity1.02–1.025 sg
pH8.1–8.4
Alkalinity8–12 dKH
Coloration
redorangecrimsonwhite tail markings
Tags
predatorFOWLRterritorialmoderate-size
