{"product_id":"clown-grouper-pogonoperca-punctata","title":"Clown Grouper - Pogonoperca punctata","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClown Grouper (\u003cem\u003ePogonoperca punctata\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Clown Grouper is a striking and unusual marine predator recognised for its bold mottled patterning, robust body shape and distinctive appearance. Juveniles can display particularly dramatic contrasting markings, while adults develop a more subdued but equally distinctive pattern. Predatory and increasingly confident as it matures, this species is best suited to large marine aquariums with secure rockwork and appropriately sized tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClown Grouper, Leaflip Grouper, Spotted Soapfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePogonoperca punctata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 30–35 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Clown Grouper occurs throughout tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is typically associated with coral reefs, rocky slopes, caves and sheltered reef structure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt spends much of its time close to rockwork and cover, from where it can ambush passing prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–26°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity: SG 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNitrate: Low and stable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSemi-Aggressive \/ Predatory\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Clown Grouper is generally not excessively aggressive towards fish that are too large to swallow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHowever, smaller fish and ornamental crustaceans may be viewed as prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTankmates should therefore be robust, appropriately sized and capable of competing successfully at feeding time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarnivore \/ Ambush Predator\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Clown Grouper naturally feeds on small fish, crustaceans and other marine animals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, offer a varied diet including chopped prawn, shrimp, squid, mussel, krill and other suitable marine meaty foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuality carnivore pellets may also be accepted once the fish is established.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 500 litres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA spacious aquarium with substantial secure rockwork, caves and open swimming areas is recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Clown Grouper may initially be secretive and spend considerable time beneath overhangs or within caves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce established, it usually becomes increasingly confident and may emerge readily at feeding time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is primarily an ambush predator and often remains close to structure while watching for suitable prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWith Caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Clown Grouper does not normally target healthy coral tissue.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHowever, small fish, shrimp, crabs and other suitably sized mobile invertebrates may be hunted and eaten.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is therefore best considered reef safe with caution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a large, mature marine aquarium with excellent filtration, strong oxygenation and substantial secure rockwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTankmates should be chosen according to mouth size rather than body length alone, as surprisingly large prey may be swallowed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid keeping with small ornamental fish or crustaceans where their safety is important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide several caves, overhangs and shaded retreat areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species belongs to the soapfish group and can produce defensive skin secretions when severely stressed. Careful handling, stable aquarium conditions and minimising unnecessary disturbance are therefore particularly important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrong filtration and regular maintenance are recommended due to the biological load created by its carnivorous diet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExperienced\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":68081081516205,"sku":"AG-105215","price":100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":68081081548973,"sku":"AG-105216","price":115.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":68081081581741,"sku":"AG-105008","price":135.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/ClownGrouper-Pogonopercapunctata.jpg?v=1794059979","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/clown-grouper-pogonoperca-punctata","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}