Black Tip Grouper tankmates

[LisaD]

Within the last year, I bought a black tip grouper, Epinephelus fasciatus. I currently have it in a 120 gallon tank with a zebra moray and Brazilian dragon moray. It has about doubled in size, to close to 8 inches. Right now, I don't have any problems with it. It's a little shy, eats really well, pretty fish. Does not seem aggressive at this time.

My question is whether anyone has experience with this fish and its temperament as it approaches adult size (up to 16 inches in the aquarium). I'd like to keep it in a 210 with the following:

Harlequin tuskfish
Niger trigger and/or pink tail trigger
Mimic tang
Large angel (either imperator, annularis or chrysurus)

Will it get along with these fish? What is the minimum sized fish I can keep with it, that could be considered a good risk for staying safe? (For example, could I add a 5 inch subadult angel, or is it likely to be toast?) The grouper could go in the tank last. My niger trigger is really small right now, about 2.5 inches, and is being grown out in a 55. How big will it need to be to be safe with this fish?

If you have suggestions for better tankmates, let me know. I'd like to keep the fish, but need to know what can be kept with it.

Here are links describing the fish:
http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=5348
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/epinephelus.htm

Here are some nice images from another site:

TIA for any comments or suggestions.

 

[TheSaltwaterGuy]

I think you'd be fine. Just be careful as to the sizes of fish you plan to get. Just like Lions, they'd swallow anything small enough.

Good luck!

 

[billsreef]

Like most groupers, they have a big mouth and consume anything they perceive as smaller than themselves. So long as all the other fish are similar in size or larger, you should be fine with your fish list.

 

[LisaD]

So that means I'll pretty much need show sized specimens? (since the grouper is about 8" and growing fast)

Has anyone got any experience with this species? Mine darts out for food, seems shy, and is afraid of the eels. I'm wondering if a feisty fish half his size has a good chance of surviving, or if I need to only stock with larger fish? I guess I could keep him in the 120 long term...

 

[TheSaltwaterGuy]

You may be able to get away with smaller, more aggressive fish. Not sure, though. Sorry

 

[billsreef]

I've had them in the past. Once it settles in it will be less shy. It will still be a typical homebody and spend most of it's time in it's favorite cave waiting for some food to ambush