Neptune Grouper

Cephalopholis igarashiensis

Identification	Stunning deepwater grouper (hind) with bright yellow and red-pink banding. One of the most valuable groupers in the aquarium trade.
Maximum Length	14 inches
Origin	Indo-Pacific deep reefs
Minimum Tank Size	200 gallons
Reef Compatibility	No — eats fish and shrimp; grows large

Behavior

The Neptune Grouper is a legendary deepwater hind, prized for its vivid yellow-and-red coloration and extreme rarity — wild specimens require careful decompression from great depth, making them very expensive. It is a hardy predator once established, but grows large and needs a big tank.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore. Eats fish and crustaceans. Offer meaty foods — silversides, shrimp, squid, and krill; feed a few times weekly.

Cautions

A very high-value deepwater fish for advanced keepers. Grows large with a heavy bioload — needs a big tank and strong filtration. Not reef safe; will eat fish and shrimp. Acclimate lighting gradually.