
Hyporthodus nigritus
Family: Epinephelidae ยท Groupers & Basslets
Also known as: Black Jewfish, Giant Grouper, Black Grouper
The Warsaw Grouper is one of the largest groupers found in the Atlantic Ocean, capable of reaching an astounding 90 inches in length and weighing over 500 pounds. Its dark brownish-gray body with a distinctive elongated second dorsal spine makes it an unmistakable species among Atlantic groupers. This deep-dwelling giant is truly a fish of extraordinary proportions.
In the wild, Warsaw Groupers inhabit deep rocky reefs, ledges, and drop-offs at depths typically ranging from 55 to 525 meters. They are solitary, slow-moving predators that feed on fish, crabs, and shrimp. Their extreme longevity, slow growth rate, and late sexual maturity make them highly vulnerable to overfishing, and populations have declined significantly throughout their range.
This species is entirely unsuitable for home aquariums due to its enormous adult size. Only public aquariums with tanks measuring thousands of gallons can realistically house a Warsaw Grouper. Even expert private collectors lack the facilities to maintain this fish long-term. Any attempt to keep this species requires industrial-scale filtration, massive tank volume, and a commitment to decades of care.
A powerful carnivore that feeds on fish, crabs, and shrimp in the wild. In captivity at public aquariums, they are fed large whole fish, squid, and crustaceans. Feeding should be carefully managed to prevent obesity in the confined environment of an aquarium.
The Warsaw Grouper is an apex predator that will consume virtually any fish it can overpower. In public aquarium settings, it is housed only with other very large species such as sharks, rays, and other giant groupers. Completely incompatible with any invertebrates or small-to-medium fish.
Check CompatibilityWarsaw Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites with extremely slow maturation rates. They have never been bred in captivity due to their enormous size and deepwater spawning habits. All specimens are wild-caught.