Panther Grouper
(Cromileptes altivelis)

Descrição

The common names for *Cromileptes altivelis* include Humpback Grouper and Panther Grouper, with Panther Grouper being very frequently used in the aquarium trade. I will use “Panther Grouper” as the primary common name.

Now, let’s gather the specific husbandry details:

* **Appearance & Behaviour:** Distinctive white/pale body covered in bold black spots. Juveniles have fewer, larger spots, while adults have more numerous, smaller spots. They have a unique “humpbacked” appearance with a depressed anterior head and elevated nape. They are solitary ambush predators, generally peaceful but can be aggressive in too small a tank or with much smaller tankmates. They are curious and can become tame, recognizing their aquarist. They are demersal, found at mid-depth and near the bottom, often resting near the bottom.
* **Care Level:** Moderate to experienced aquarists due to large adult size and heavy bioload. Generally peaceful, but predatory towards smaller fish and invertebrates. Best kept with large, robust, or semi-aggressive tank mates. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting as female and the dominant one transforming into male.
* **Tank Essentials:**
* Minimum Tank Size: 1136 L (300 gallons) for adults; some sources recommend 2000 L (528 gallons). Juveniles grow quickly, requiring frequent upgrades.
* Water Parameters:
* pH Range: 8.0-8.4 (consensus is 8.1-8.4)
* Temperature: 23-28 °C (74-82°F). (consensus around 24-28°C)
* Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025 (consensus 1.022-1.025)
* Requires good hiding places (live rock) and ample swimming room. Heavy bioload requires robust filtration.
* **Diet:** Carnivorous. They will eat anything that fits in their mouth. Feed meaty foods such as silversides, squid, krill, shrimp, crustaceans, and other small fish. A varied diet is essential.
* **Maximum Size:** Up to 70-71 cm (27-28 inches) TL (Total Length).
* **Origin:** Indo-Pacific region, including southern Japan, Palau, Guam, New Caledonia, southern Queensland (Australia), Eastern Indian Ocean from Nicobars to Broome (Western Australia). Also found in Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Vietnam. They inhabit clear waters from lagoons and seaward reefs, preferring dead or silty areas. Juveniles found inshore, lagoons, fringing reefs, seagrass.
* **Lifespan:** At least 14 years, with some sources stating up to 19-20 years in the wild/captivity. One source mentions 50 years, but this seems an outlier compared to other sources and typical grouper lifespans. I will stick to the consensus of 14-20 years.
* **Swimming Zone:** Mid to bottom. They often come to rest near the bottom.

Let’s refine the ranges and details for the bulleted list and paragraphs.
Lifespan: 14-20 years is a safer range based on.
pH: 8.1-8.4 is a strong consensus.
Temperature: 24-28 °C is a good range, aligning with 23-27°C and 22.2-25.6°C and 25-29°C and 75-82°F (23.9-27.8°C).

Reef compatibility: “Reef safe with caution” is mentioned by multiple sources, noting they will eat mobile invertebrates like crabs, shrimp, and clams, but generally leave corals alone. Some sources say “Not reef safe” due to eating inverts. I will phrase this carefully to reflect the nuance: they won’t typically harm corals, but small invertebrates are fair game.

The IUCN status is Data Deficient, but it’s noted as vulnerable due to overexploitation for food and habitat degradation. Hatchery production is mainly for the aquarium trade, not wild release. While this is important information, it might be too much detail for a product description overview, but good for my general knowledge.

Swimming zone: Mid to Bottom is appropriate.

Final check on keywords: “buy Panther Grouper online”, “Panther Grouper care”, “healthy marine fish”. I’ll try to include these naturally.

Panther Grouper: The Captivating Spotted Jewel of Your Marine Aquarium

Bring the unique elegance of the ocean’s depths into your home with the distinctively patterned Panther Grouper. A true statement fish for the dedicated marine aquarist.

Overview

The Panther Grouper, with its striking white to pale beige body adorned with numerous bold black spots, is a captivating marine fish. Juveniles display fewer, larger spots, while adults develop a higher density of smaller markings across their entire body and fins. This species boasts a unique “humpbacked” profile, adding to its charismatic appearance. Though generally solitary, their curious nature means they often become accustomed to their keeper, displaying an engaging personality as they explore the mid to bottom regions of your aquarium.

Care Level

The Panther Grouper requires an experienced aquarist due to its eventual large size and significant bioload. While generally peaceful towards larger tankmates, they are predatory and will consume any fish or invertebrates small enough to fit in their mouth, including ornamental shrimp and crabs. Careful consideration of compatible, robust tankmates is crucial for a harmonious environment.

Tank Essentials

A minimum tank size of 1136 litres (300 gallons) is essential for an adult Panther Grouper, with larger volumes like 2000 litres (528 gallons) highly recommended to accommodate their growth and reduce aggression. Maintain stable water parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 24-28°C, and a specific gravity of 1.022-1.025. Ample rockwork for hiding spots and robust filtration are vital for a healthy aquarium.

Diet

As a carnivorous predator, the Panther Grouper requires a varied diet of meaty foods. Offer high-quality frozen and fresh preparations such as silversides, squid, krill, and various crustaceans. Ensure regular feedings to satisfy their hearty appetite and support their rapid growth, keeping your healthy marine fish thriving.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Panther Grouper online from us, you choose quality and responsible sourcing. We ensure all our fish are meticulously quarantined and humanely shipped, guaranteeing you receive robust, healthy specimens ready to thrive in your carefully prepared aquarium. Our commitment to ethical practices provides peace of mind for every purchase.

• Scientific Name: Cromileptes altivelis
• Common Name / Variant: Panther Grouper / Humpback Grouper
• Maximum Size: 70 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Western Pacific, Eastern Indian Ocean)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• Lifespan: 14–20 years
• Swimming Zone: Mid | Bottom

Add this magnificent Panther Grouper to your collection today and create a stunning aquatic display!