{"product_id":"boenacki-blueline-grouper-cephalopholis-boenack","title":"Boenacki (Blueline) Grouper","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Boenak Blueline Grouper, \u003cem\u003eCephalopholis boenak\u003c\/em\u003e, is a compact but striking predatory marine fish with rich brown to reddish-brown coloration, subtle darker vertical bars, and contrasting pale margins along portions of the fins. Depending on mood, lighting, and maturity, its coloration can shift considerably, giving this grouper a dynamic appearance within the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Indo-West Pacific from East Africa through Southeast Asia and into the western Pacific, this species is primarily associated with protected coastal reefs, including silty coral and rocky reef habitats. It tends to remain close to structure, using caves and overhangs as ambush points while watching for small fish and crustaceans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaching approximately 12 inches as an adult, the Blueline Grouper is considerably more manageable than many of the giant grouper species encountered in the marine aquarium trade. Its compact adult size, bold personality, and predatory behavior make it an appealing centerpiece for a large fish-only aquarium or a carefully planned reef aquarium where smaller fish and ornamental crustaceans are not present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 125 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Predatory\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Carnivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: With Caution\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Indo-West Pacific\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eCephalopholis boenak\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blueline Grouper should be provided with substantial rockwork containing caves, ledges, and shaded retreats. Although it is not an exceptionally active open-water swimmer, an adult still requires adequate room to move comfortably between territories and should not be confined by overly dense aquascaping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreate one or more secure caves large enough to accommodate the adult fish while maintaining open areas toward the front and center of the aquarium. Rock structures should be firmly positioned, particularly in systems containing larger predatory tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubstrate choice is flexible, and either sand or a bare-bottom setup can work well. Efficient mechanical and biological filtration is important because a carnivorous grouper produces considerably more waste than many similarly sized community reef fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate water movement, excellent oxygenation, and stable water quality are recommended. A secure aquarium cover is also beneficial, especially during acclimation or territorial encounters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blueline Grouper is a carnivore that naturally feeds primarily on small fish and crustaceans. Captive specimens generally adapt well to a varied diet of high-quality marine foods once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer mysis shrimp and krill to smaller specimens, along with appropriately sized pieces of shrimp, squid, clam, mussel, scallop, and marine fish flesh as the grouper grows. Quality frozen carnivore blends can also provide useful nutritional variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet is preferable to feeding one type of seafood exclusively. Juveniles can be offered smaller meals daily, while established adults may be fed several substantial meals per week according to body condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid routine use of live feeder fish. They are unnecessary for maintaining this species and can introduce nutritional and disease concerns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blueline Grouper is a predatory and somewhat territorial fish that spends much of its time around caves and reef structure. It may appear relatively reserved when first introduced but typically becomes bolder once established and accustomed to feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny fish small enough to fit into its mouth should be considered potential prey. Suitable tankmates include appropriately sized tangs, larger angelfish, robust wrasses, triggerfish, rabbitfish, and other semi-aggressive marine fish that cannot be swallowed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall clownfish, gobies, cardinalfish, dartfish, chromis, and other compact community species may eventually be eaten, even if they initially coexist without incident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is generally best to keep a single Blueline Grouper unless the aquarium is exceptionally large and specifically designed to accommodate multiple territorial predators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blueline Grouper is reef safe with caution. It does not typically consume healthy coral tissue and can be maintained in a coral aquarium from that standpoint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe primary concern is predation. Ornamental shrimp, small crabs, and other suitably sized crustaceans may be eaten, and small reef fish are also at significant risk. Snails and larger established invertebrates are generally less likely to attract attention, although individual behavior can vary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is therefore best suited to a predator-style reef aquarium containing corals and appropriately sized fish rather than a traditional community reef stocked with small fish and ornamental shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable salinity, strong biological filtration, good oxygenation, and consistently clean water are more important than attempting to maintain an exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePredatory feeding behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small fish and ornamental crustaceans should be considered potential prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Although smaller than many groupers, adults can still reach approximately 12 inches and require substantial permanent housing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaves are important:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide secure rockwork and shaded retreats where the fish can establish a territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeavy feeding produces waste:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong filtration and disciplined feeding help maintain long-term water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoose tankmates by adult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fish that appear safe with a juvenile grouper may become vulnerable as the grouper matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52442769359146,"sku":"GROUPERxBlueS","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52442769391914,"sku":"GROUPERxBlueSM","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52442769424682,"sku":"GROUPERxBlueM","price":143.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52442769457450,"sku":"GROUPERxBlueML","price":167.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":52442769490218,"sku":"GROUPERxBlueL","price":209.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52442769522986,"sku":"GROUPERxBlueX","price":251.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XXL","offer_id":52442769555754,"sku":"GROUPERxBlueXX","price":368.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SH","offer_id":52442769588522,"sku":"GROUPERxBlueSH","price":491.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/BluelineGrouper_6ba137e9-72dc-41fa-8b0f-25d54889804d.png?v=1788205950","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/boenacki-blueline-grouper-cephalopholis-boenack","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}