Panther Grouper (Cromileptes Altivelis) - SAQ Chicago Fish

This preorder is an order on demand fish.  This fish is not in stock ready to ship.  After you order the fish, we will source and quarantine your fish for up to 14 days before shipping.  We want to make sure it's healthy to finish the trip.  This fish requires 21-28 Business Days from ordering to shipping.

Panther Grouper (Cromileptes altivelis)

Overview & Visual Impressions

• Species Names: Known commonly as the Panther Grouper, Polka-Dot Grouper, Humpback Grouper, High-Finned Grouper, or Barramundi Cod
  

• Distinctive Appearance: This marine fish displays a striking cream body with bold black spots on its body and fins. Its unique, vertically elongated profile—combined with a narrow dorsal area and a concave head base—gives it an unmistakable “humpback” silhouette
  

Size & Growth Potential

• Maximum Size: Reaches up to 28 inches (1'8") in length when fully mature.

• Available Purchase Sizes: Ranges from Baby (<2"), Small (2–3"), Small/Medium (3–4"), Medium (4–4½"), Medium/Large (4½–5"), Large (5–7"), to X-Large (7–9").

Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: Requires a large tank—at least 300 gallons—to accommodate its adult size and active swimming needs.

• Habitat Setup: Ideally housed over a sandy substrate topped with pebbles and live rock to mimic its natural lagoon, reef, and silty coral reef environments. Secure a tight-fitting lid to prevent escape, as they may leap or jump out, especially when introduced.

Care Profile

• Care Level: Moderately challenging; suitable for aquarists with some marine experience.

• Temperament: Aggressive—especially if stressed or threatened—so compatibility with tankmates requires caution.

• Reef Compatibility: Only “with caution”—likely to prey on small invertebrates or fish and may disturb reef setups.

Water Conditions

• Temperature: 72–78 °F

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Alkalinity (dKH): 8–12

• Specific Gravity: 1.021–1.023

Diet & Filtration

• Feeding: Carnivorous. Thrives on meaty foods—shrimp, krill, small fish. Requires an ample feeding regime to sustain growth.

• Filtration Needs: High—this robust feeder produces significant waste; ensure powerful filtration and water movement to maintain water quality.

Additional Considerations

• Breeding: Very rare and difficult to breed in captivity.

• Behavioral Traits: Initially shy when introduced but may become more bold over time.

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, found across lagoons, outer reefs, silty patches, and coral-rich areas.

Customer Impressions

Several testimonials from aquarists highlighting the Panther Grouper’s beauty, growth, and character:

“He is so graceful in the tank! He loves to swim around... a great fish for show or an aggressive tank mate.” —Dave S
“I had a 2" Panther Grouper in a 20-gallon tank. Within a year, it grew to 7"!… Its fins glow when it gets excited.” —Omar S
“An extremely fast growing fish that will eat almost anything that will fit into his mouth... A great pet, but make sure you have a large enough tank.” —Peter M
“Spectacular fish... lives with a Tesselata moray eel… they kind of compete for food.” —Trevor L

Panther Grouper — Cromileptes altivelis

Elevate your marine aquarium with the magnificent Panther Grouper, also known as the Polka-Dot or Humpback Grouper. Its sleek, vertically tall profile—accentuated by dramatic black spots and a distinctive hump-like silhouette—commands attention.