The family of the groupers (Cirrhitidae) is also called coral guardians in this country. They belong to the order of the perch-like ones. This includes 10 genera with about 35 species.
Except for two species from the Atlantic, the grouper's range is in distinct coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea and the Gulf of California.
Most species are found in shallow waters ranging from a few to a hundred meters deep.
They are often offered in specialist shops and swim in many aquariums.
The name coral guardian comes from the nature of the fish's way of life. For the most part, he sits vigilantly on or in front of corals, literally leaping from one coral to the next.
They are a small family of opportunistic predators that spend most of their time on protruding coral blocks or reef branches. When this is the case, a coral warden can swim from there very quickly to snatch their meal, and even engage in a vigorous chase - at least over short distances. Once a meal is caught and devoured, the grouper will return to its favorite pastime, sitting motionless on the reef awaiting the next likely meal. Their seemingly non-stop, sedentary "sitting" is about the only negative thing that can be said about the coral guardians. Territorialism and the males' habit of maintaining their own private harems with females are other characteristics. Some species of coral guardians begin life as females and later metamorphose into a male. Coral sentinels are active during the day.
They are small, fairly peaceful, hardy, colorful and interesting fish, and do not have high demands when it comes to water quality and food. They get along well with other species and are generally quick enough to avoid harassment from their roommates. The grouper is kept in reef tanks as well as in fish-only aquariums. However, it should be borne in mind that he will consider many animals as food, including small fish, as well as worms, shrimp, and small crabs, provided they are small enough to swallow. Groupers have sharp teeth and powerful jaws, allowing them to easily crack open any crustacean's protective shell.
Their coloring can vary greatly.
In their shape, all corals are the same, except for the well-known slender and elongated "long-snouted corals" (Oxycirrhites typus). Insiders also call it a kitchen towel :-).
If you catch a real pair, they will spawn regularly in the aquarium. As far as we know, the rearing has not yet been successful.
However, two males will not get along at all and there will be an ongoing fight until one of the two gives way if he can do it in the aquarium!
A jumping guard prevents (nocturnal) fish from jumping out.
Wrasses and various gobies jump out of an unprotected tank in fright if their night rest is disturbed, unfortunately these jumpers are found dried up in the morning on carpets, glass edges or later behind the tank.
https://www.korallenriff.de/en/article/1925_5_Jump_Protection_Solutions_for_Fish_in_the_Aquarium__5_Net_Covers.html
A small night light also helps, as it provides the fish with a means of orientation in the dark!
