White Spotted vs. Vtail

[caz2022]

Ok everyone-Im looking for my last fish to round out my 125 aggrsv (well 170 if you include my sump and 'fuge).
Current occupants are:
1-4" orange toad fish
1-3.5" V. Lion
2-4"squirrel fish
+/- 25 snails and crabs
As the titles says-I've narrowed it down to either a White spotted grouper or a V-tail. I'm finding good arguments for both fish and I'm having a VERY hard time deciding. My LFS is holding both for me til friday so I NEED your help

 

[evanjah]

lol, I once had a v-tail grouper. They are a very cool fish. Mine lasted 30 seconds in my tank. He was prolly 4 inches long. I had a 1-2 inch frogfish, needless to say he was neatly tucked in his stomach in a u-shape. I'd go v-tail, there red/ white color is really cool. Very active to

 

[aquaknight]

One is suitable for aquariums, the other is better left in the ocean
The White Spotted Grouper (Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus) gets 30". (Your not referring to a Panther grouper, right?)
The V-tail Hind (Cephalopholis Urodelus) grows to just a bit under a foot (11") and is a much better choice for a 125gal (actually anything under 1000gals).

 

[n8ball2013]

had a v tail in a tank at work and it was extremely aggressive. The nice red color didnt stay for very long and it became a brownish shade. it beat a blue spot grouper to death within a week. if you can get a minuatus or a blue spot. those were my two favorites.

 

[caz2022]

Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/2879452
One is suitable for aquariums, the other is better left in the ocean
The White Spotted Grouper (Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus) gets 30". (Your not referring to a Panther grouper, right?)
The V-tail Hind (Cephalopholis Urodelus) grows to just a bit under a foot (11") and is a much better choice for a 125gal (actually anything under 1000gals).
The Spotted Grouper, also known as the Whitespotted Grouper, Summan Grouper, or Speckled Fin Grouper, has a dark brown to black body marked by white polka-dots.
A 70 gallon or larger aquarium is required due to its size and feeding habits. It is an extremely aggressive fish and may eat tank mates as well as crustaceans.
The Spotted Grouper prefers a diet of meaty foods such as krill, shrimp, and other small fish.
Spotted Grouper
(Epinephelus summana)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Blue
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Serranidae

 

[aquaknight]

If you talking about a Summan, they are better, but definitely strongly disagree with that max size, still over 2 feet. Check these brutes out:

 

[aquaknight]

If you are interested in a Grouper-like fish, check out all of the fish under the Cephalopholis genus. They all stay about the same size (around a foot, some smaller, some larger), and should mostly retain their colors through adulthood, instead of turning that generic brown speckled like most 'true groupers' do. (FWIW Cephalopholis are techanically 'Hinds' not groupers)