White-Edged Lyretail Grouper

The White-Edged Lyretail Grouper, Variola albimarginata, is identified by the pale border on its deeply curved tail. It is a substantial predatory fish, so the long-term aquarium and its inhabitants need to be chosen around adult behaviour. Recorded adult length reaches 65 cm.

Provide a mature system with spacious caves and strong biological filtration. A grouper may remain hidden for long periods before emerging at feeding time. Allow room to turn and enter shelter without scraping against tightly packed rockwork.

Offer varied marine meaty foods in sensible portions and remove uneaten pieces. Small fish and ornamental crustaceans are potential prey, regardless of how calm the grouper appears between meals. Larger, non-harassing companions are more appropriate; adding another grouper can create additional territorial competition in an already demanding predator aquarium.