Louti Cherry Grouper
Louti Cherry Grouper, Variola louti, is a true Sea Bass that requires a great deal of space to grow. Reaching lengths over two feet in the wild, its coloration begins with a cherry red at the dorsal that fades into a pale yellow underneath. Its uniquely-shaped V-swept tail is another prominent feature. The Louti Cherry Grouper should be kept only in larger aquariums. In the home aquarium, it has little interest in corals, but may likely dislodge corals as it darts after its next meal. It may eat any fish that will fit into its mouth. Crustaceans, being part of its natural diet, will likely be eaten. This Indo-Pacific native is an opportunist predator. It welcomes a diet of smaller live fish -- upon which it can prey with a sudden, unexpected burst of speed -- and frozen krill and other meaty prepared foods. Because "high input" fish are also "high output" fish, an excellent filtration and biological system should be in place prior to introduction. Groupers should only be kept with other (larger!) aggressive carnivores such as Triggers and Eels.
Approximate Arrival Size for Groupers: Small: 2-3.25"; Medium: 3-4.5"; Large: 4.75-6.25"; XLarge: 6.5-7.5"
Detailed Information about this species.
