i wanna keep a pather grouper in my 125 gal

[draconis321]

i wanna keep a pather grouper in my 125 gal. I want to know about how to care for them and any procautions I should take

just to let you know i've already set up a 65 gal tank so i know the basics

 

[cars&sharks]

you may need a larger aquarium when it gets larger. a panther grouper can get up to 28'' long and it can get their quick. i believe the recommended tank size is 150+.
EDIT: it will eat smaller fish.

 

[ophiura]

I would discourage it. They get very large, very fast, and there are virtually no stores that will take them back to sell to someone else. In addition, IMO they become less attractive as they grow. They sell them so tiny because they are adorable at that size, IMO...and much less adorable as they grow.
THere are lots of suitable fish for a 125g, but I would discourage the panther, personally.

 

[phelpz]

I really wanted one of these before I knew that they ate anything that will fit in there mouth and grow up to like 3' long.
I dont understand why they sell them at the fish store I go to when the lady tells people not to buy them.

 

[cars&sharks]

Originally Posted by phelpz
http:///forum/post/2492659
I really wanted one of these before I knew that they ate anything that will fit in there mouth and grow up to like 3' long.
I dont understand why they sell them at the fish store I go to when the lady tells people not to buy them.
people with larger tanks buy them.

 

[sk8shorty01]

Originally Posted by ophiura
http:///forum/post/2492655
IMO they become less attractive as they grow.

I agree completely. As they get bigger they start to lose their appeal Their big "floppy" fins start to fit in with the body as the body grows, so they don' look the same. They also seem to lose their pearly white color as they grow and become more of a grey, and have multiple layers of spots rather than just the perfect black circles. I would say a no go. There are plenty of other great fish that you could put in a 125 that would look great for the life of the fish and you wouldnt have to worry about it outgrowing the tank.

 

[phelpz]

Originally Posted by cars&sharks
http:///forum/post/2492675
people with larger tanks buy them.
Yeah, I suppose if you had a giant tank, no soft corals, or fish smaller than it you would be ok.
They sell them at *****. I bet a lot of people buy them not knowing anything about them.

 

[sk8shorty01]

Originally Posted by phelpz
http:///forum/post/2493072
They sell them at *****. I bet a lot of people buy them not knowing anything about them.

I guarantee they do. A lot of people buy livestock for their tanks before they research. Especially when they are very green in the hobby and take the advice of the LFS staff that is just in it to make money (most of the time). Thats why it is a tremendous help to research fish before buying so you know exactly what you are getting into.