{"product_id":"louti-cherry-grouper","title":"Louti (Cherry) Grouper","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eLouti (Cherry) Grouper\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eVariola louti\u003c\/em\u003e) is a distinctive marine predator. The Cherry form has red to reddish-orange coloration, fine bluish spots, and a deeply crescent-shaped tail with a yellow margin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIndo-Pacific, including the Red Sea. It is associated with reef structure and nearby sheltered bottom habitat, using cover while resting or watching for prey. A mature aquarium with secure shelter and a reliable feeding routine allows its natural behavior to be observed without placing smaller livestock at unnecessary risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlan housing around the adult fish. Cherry and Skunk trade forms are the same species and have the same large adult housing and predatory requirements. Juvenile patterning can change with growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Difficult\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 300 Gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 32.7 inches (83 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eVariola louti\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide an established aquarium of at least 300 gallons for adult housing, with larger systems preferred. The footprint must allow comfortable turning and full access to shelter. Cherry and Skunk trade forms are the same species and have the same large adult housing and predatory requirements. Juvenile patterning can change with growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eArrange heavy rockwork on a stable base with wide caves and overhangs that can contain the adult body. Leave open swimming lanes and keep equipment protected from sudden feeding movements. Use a secure cover, dependable biological filtration, effective protein skimming, and good surface gas exchange. A roomy aquarium with inaccessible waste pockets still needs an effective maintenance plan.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMake shelter entrances wide enough for growth and keep rock structures stable. Avoid repeated rearrangement during settling. A fish spending most of its time under cover still needs room to turn and emerge without scraping against decorations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied carnivorous diet of marine fish, shrimp, squid, clam, mussel, and balanced marine carnivore preparations. Match portions to the mouth and body condition. Feed growing juveniles smaller meals more frequently; established larger adults often suit several measured meals per week. Avoid a routine diet of freshwater feeder fish or dependence on one food such as krill.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse a feeding routine that lets you observe intake and condition. Do not leave uneaten seafood inside caves or encourage feeding to extreme fullness. Remove remains promptly and investigate sustained refusal, rapid breathing, or visible weight loss rather than simply offering larger quantities. Keep hands away from the mouth and use appropriate feeding tools.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn ambush predator can remain still for long periods and then strike very quickly. Keep a single grouper as the default and choose robust, non-bullying tankmates that cannot be swallowed, judging body depth as well as length. Small fish and ornamental crustaceans are potential prey. Additional groupers require much more space and a practical separation plan.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWatch for blocked access to caves, injuries, and persistent hiding after a new introduction. Feeding the predator well does not make prey-sized tankmates safe, and apparent juvenile compatibility may change as fish mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot recommended for conventional mixed reefs. Healthy coral tissue is not the usual target, but small fish, shrimp, crabs, and other suitable mobile animals may be eaten. Larger individuals can disturb unsecured coral and rockwork. A fish-focused display with carefully selected tankmates is the practical setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–79°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaintain stable, well-oxygenated marine water with undetectable ammonia and nitrite. Match acclimation to the supplier's holding conditions, avoid rapid changes, and maintain filtration for the actual feeding load.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult commitment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 32.7 inches (83 cm). Plan the aquarium and every tankmate accordingly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFood and filtration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Varied marine nutrition and prompt waste removal support long-term condition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShelter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide secure retreats with comfortable adult clearance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePredation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mouth-sized fish and mobile invertebrates are at risk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cherry and Skunk trade forms are the same species and have the same large adult housing and predatory requirements. Juvenile patterning can change with growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S (2.1-2.5\")","offer_id":50971463811370,"sku":"GROxCherS","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"SM (2.6-3.5\")","offer_id":52821199520042,"sku":"GROxCherSM","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M (3.6-4.5\")","offer_id":52821199552810,"sku":"GROxCherM","price":122.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML (4.6-5.5\")","offer_id":52821199585578,"sku":"GROxCherML","price":182.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L (5.6-6.5\")","offer_id":52821199618346,"sku":"GROxCherL","price":236.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL (6.6-7.5\")","offer_id":52821199651114,"sku":"GROxCherX","price":284.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/tsa-fish-louti-cherry-grouper-s-2-1-2-5-1260955635.png?v=1793584635","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/louti-cherry-grouper","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}