Blue Argus Grouper

Like most groupers, this fish was almost certainly born female — many species in the family start out that way and only a portion switch to male later in life as social hierarchy and size dictate. What it lacks in complicated life history drama right now, it makes up for with sheer appetite: groupers strike with a vacuum-mouth gape that inhales prey whole in a fraction of a second. Hardy and easy to keep, but this is a fish you buy for the tank it's headed toward, not the one it's in today.

Care level: Easy · Temperament: Predatory · Max size: ~24"+ · Min tank: 180+ gal (adult) · Diet: Carnivore, live/frozen meaty foods