Clown Grouper

[JustinReef]

I just saw a Clown Grouper at my LFS and I have to say...WOW!!!

I think groupers are quickly catching up to Puffers as my favorite fish...well they are certainly a close second

Is it true that these guys only get about 14"?

How well do groupers mix?

He was absolutely amazing!

 

[LisaD]

I thought those were a type of soapfish? Is it Pogonoperca punctata? They are very cool looking, I've only seen a few.

 

[JustinReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13455734#post13455734 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LisaD
I thought those were a type of soapfish? Is it Pogonoperca punctata? They are very cool looking, I've only seen a few.

Yeah it is a Leaflip Soapfish but they said its also known as a Clown Grouper.

They said it gets about 14" so more like a foot in an aquarium. Relatively small. I have no room for it now but I hope they don't sell it soon. I am thinking of getting the bigger tank set up if I can keep this guy with my grouper. I don't know how they would get along though. My LFS said fine and I do actually trust them but I want to hear from people here.

 

[JustinReef]

Pogonoperca punctata, yes

 

[anbosu]

In my experience groupers are relatively passive except for eating time. I'm assuming that all soapfishes are poisonous? I guess that is something to keep in mind. I have had no problems with my six line since it almost killed itself on the way home, but it is possible they could cause problems in your tank, especially if it feels threatened.

 

[JustinReef]

Family: Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
subfamily: Grammistinae
Order: Perciformes (perch-likes)
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)

 

[JustinReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13455947#post13455947 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by anbosu
In my experience groupers are relatively passive except for eating time. I'm assuming that all soapfishes are poisonous? I guess that is something to keep in mind. I have had no problems with my six line since it almost killed itself on the way home, but it is possible they could cause problems in your tank, especially if it feels threatened.

I believe its just the mucous or "slime" coat of the fish that is toxic to keep other fish from eating them but I don't think its toxic enough to kill a tank or cause major harm unless the fish is eaten.

I don't know for sure though.

 

[anbosu]

Yeah I'm not 100% on how toxic it is, I just know it about killed itself in the baggie coming home. While at the store the water had to be totally changed out and even when I got home I had to do a very quick acclimation to keep it from dying. As long as you have pretty good water volume I would think it would be ok, but I don't know for sure. I have had it for about a year and I've had no issues to date and I keep it with other aggressive fish, but nothing that would really nip at it except for maybe a lunare wrasse.

 

[JustinReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13456169#post13456169 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by anbosu
Yeah I'm not 100% on how toxic it is, I just know it about killed itself in the baggie coming home. While at the store the water had to be totally changed out and even when I got home I had to do a very quick acclimation to keep it from dying. As long as you have pretty good water volume I would think it would be ok, but I don't know for sure. I have had it for about a year and I've had no issues to date and I keep it with other aggressive fish, but nothing that would really nip at it except for maybe a lunare wrasse.

Yeah I don't know either. I would guess in a small tank or especially a bag, the toxin can be pretty strong.

 

[predator 1]

There is one of those Groupers in my LFS in London Justin. A beauty at 11in, but they cannot sell it. They know I keep Groupers, and they keep trying to sell it to me. I said thanks, but no thanks!!

 

[JustinReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13456733#post13456733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by predator 1
There is one of those Groupers in my LFS in London Justin. A beauty at 11in, but they cannot sell it. They know I keep Groupers, and they keep trying to sell it to me. I said thanks, but no thanks!!

Why not??? No more room?

Do you know if they mix well with other groupers?

 

[Recty]

They've got 3 of them on Divers Den for under $40... I've been watching them for a while Pretty fish, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for a grouper.

 

[1ucky]

Groupers are great looking fish, but a pain when you're trying to get rid of them:mad2: . I have a 6" Miniatus Grouper for sale for $20 and still not one buyer .

 

[predator 1]

It is not lack of space Justin, but I am concerned that the "Plectropomas Maculatus" will destroy it, like it did to my beloved "Sphyraena".

 

[JustinReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13457184#post13457184 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by predator 1
It is not lack of space Justin, but I am concerned that the "Plectropomas Maculatus" will destroy it, like it did to my beloved "Sphyraena".

Yeah I guess with that "monster" you have to be careful!

Man I would love to see a picture of him if you ever get a chance!
Sounds like you have many very nice predators! What do you have?

 

[LisaD]

FWIW, I had a soapfish (Rypticus) for several years. It had a great personality and never bothered any of the fish in my tank. I did lose it to a disease outbreak in 2005, but I lost everything except my zebra moray. I don't think the toxic slime had anything to do with any of my losses.

 

[JustinReef]

Well i don't think I am going to get it because I would have to set up my big tank already and although I have everything I need for it, I just don't want to! I love how my current tank is going and would hate to rip it apart now.

The problem is this one is already 11"!!! Not like the ones on divers den that are only 3" or less. Then I would consider it.