Curious Fish

[BestMomEver]

The local LFS was unpacking a fish shipment today when I arrived (weeeeee.... boxes!) They received a fish that I’ve never seen before. I tried to get a photo but it was in the bag awaiting identification. The staff didn’t know what it was either.

It was black with yellow circles/spots (about the size of a pencil eraser). It was about 2.5 inches long. It was heavy bodied... not streamlined like a Goby, Wrasse, or Blenny. It was sorta shaped like a puffer or trigger but it wasn’t either. As far as I could tell, it had the mouth of a bass or grouper. It actually resembled some of the African cichlids in shape. I’m sure it’s a juvenile of something but I’ve never seen anything like it. It was beautiful and I would consider buying it but not if I have no idea what it is.

Sound familiar to anyone?

 

[saltyhog]

No, but now I'm hooked. #musthavepictures !

 

[BestMomEver]

No, but now I'm hooked. #musthavepictures !

I know, right? If he’s still there when I go back I’ll take some.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

...

 

[falconut]

From your description and google, maybe a spotted grouper aka white spotted grouper.

 

[BestMomEver]

https://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productDetail.asp?did=1&pid=913&cid=291 ???

I think that’s it. It seems to have wider black margins but I’m sure it’s pretty young. It’s beautiful though! Thanks @Bob Loblaw!

Btw... we lived in Gonzales for a few years. I feel like we’re neighbors even though we’re back in Alabama!

 

[Bob Loblaw]

Ha, made a trip down the Gonzalez Cabelas earlier today. Were/are you on LARC?

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

I would love to have a grouper! But the wife won’t allow another large tank in the house.

 

[BestMomEver]

Ha, made a trip down the Gonzalez Cabelas earlier today. Were/are you on LARC?

We started to get involved then hubby got transferred back here. I loved it there. When we left we had a 300 gallon tank but our new house wouldn’t accommodate it. We gave it away. Very sad day for me.