Blue Line Grouper

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Temperament: Aggressive   • Maximum Size: 14"
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons   • Water Conditions: 74-82° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
• Diet: Carnivore   • Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Family: Serranidae   • Species: Groupers   • Aquarium Type: Predatory

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Blue Line Grouper or as they are also commonly known as the Boenacki Grouper or Blue Line Sea Bass are an Indo-Pacific species that dwells in and around coral reefs and rocky areas. They use the coral reef as protection from larger predatory species, as well as a place to ambush prey with a quick burst of speed and large open mouth. Blue Line Groupers are a very hardy species, that will quickly adapt to aquarium life provided that it is maintained in a large aquarium with excellent filtration. This species is best suited for FO (fish only) or FOWLR (fish only with live rock) aquariums with other large aggressive or semi-aggressive fish species.

Blue Line Groupers have a large body (upto 14") typical to that of most Grouperfish, with a large frontal body that then tapers towards their tail. Their eyes are set forward on their head with a very large mouth and strong pectoral fins. The body is a grayish/green color that can exhibit red/orange overtones under some lighting conditions. They have brilliant blue horizontal lines that cover the entire body and its dorsal and tail fins.

Blue Line Groupers require large aquariums with excellent filtration to accommodate their size and feeding habits. As Blue Line Groupers eat large meals they end up producing a lot of waste products, which means they need excellent filtration (especially biological and mechanical) in order to keep the water quality high. While this species is not harmful to corals, it is best suited for fish-only aquariums as it will eat any fish that it can fit in its mouth and will eat most any type of crustacean.

Blue Line Groupers live near the fringes of coral reefs in the wild, they should be provided an aquarium environment that contains both live rock formations and open swimming areas. They do best with other large predatory species (Triggerfish, eels, sharks, etc.) or with adult semi-aggressive species (large angelfish, tangs, etc.).

Blue Line Groupers are an aggressive carnivore that primarily eats crustaceans and small fish species in the wild. In the home aquarium, they should be fed large meaty items such as shrimp, mussels, clams, chopped fish, etc. While they will consume feeder fish like goldfish or rosies, these items are not very nutritional for them and should only makeup a very small portion of their diet. The bulk of their diet should be madeup of quality marine meaty foods.