Pollenei Grouper

The Pollenei Grouper, *Plectropomus oligacanthus*, is a striking and highly desirable predatory fish for the experienced marine aquarist. Its vibrant coloration, typically a rich red or orange adorned with numerous small blue spots, makes it a captivating centerpiece in a large aquarium.

A minimum tank size of 180 gallons is recommended for a single Pollenei Grouper, with significantly larger tanks necessary for housing multiple individuals or keeping them long-term as they grow. These groupers are native to the Indo-Pacific region and are known for their ambush hunting style. They are considered to have an intermediate care level, requiring stable water parameters and a diet of meaty foods.

In the aquarium, the Pollenei Grouper should be offered a varied diet of high-quality frozen or live meaty foods such as silversides, shrimp, and squid. Due to their predatory nature, they should not be housed with smaller fish or invertebrates that they could potentially consume. They are generally peaceful towards larger tankmates that they cannot swallow. They can reach a substantial size in captivity, so planning for their adult size is crucial.