All fish / Serranidae

Harlequin Hind

Cephalopholis polleni

Also known as harlequin grouper, pollen's grouper, harlequin rockcod, pollen grouper, no, ニジハタモドキ, 波伦九棘鲈, 黄尾九棘鲈

A striking grouper with an orange to yellow body crossed lengthways by bright blue lines, and a yellow tail. It is kept by marine aquarists who want a colourful, bold predator for a large fish-only or rock-heavy system.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

35 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

700 litres

Keep as

Keep singly

Diet

Carnivore: fish, prawns, squid, mussel and other meaty frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Indo-Pacific: East Africa and Indian Ocean islands to Indonesia, Philippines and the western Pacific

Breeding

Like many groupers it is thought to be a protogynous hermaphrodite that scatters pelagic eggs. It has not been bred in home aquariums.

Good to know

Lives on deep outer reef slopes and needs a big tank with caves; it will eat any fish or crustacean that fits in its mouth. Not reef safe for small fish or shrimps.