Fish ID and info

melypr1985 · Apr 7, 2016

We bought these as Creole fish. We think they are related to anthias but are really big. We have two and Im hoping to get info on them... compatibility with other fish and each other, reef safe?, actual name and anything else that may be important to tell a customer when they come to buy them. We did see some aggression between the two, but not sure if they are just working things out between each other or if they might kill each other. Sorry for the bad pics... its the oink fish with theee white dots along the back.

Duke4Life · Apr 7, 2016

Paranthias furcifer

Duke4Life · Apr 7, 2016

4FordFamily · Apr 7, 2016

Wow I know little to nothing about anthias but I am especially lost on this one! Great ID folks!

eatbreakfast · Apr 8, 2016

Yeah, Paranthias furcifer. They mimic anthias as juveniles.

Though the book above doesn't mention it, they are very predatory to any fish they can get in their mouth. And being a grouper, they can swallow something about their own size.

evolved · Apr 8, 2016

I've seen them be called a "mimic grouper" before, which really seems more appropriate to me.

cu455 · Apr 8, 2016

Here is a video of mine. You can see him in my grow out area at the beginning of the video. I had him for about 2 years before I moved. He never ate any of my fish, snails or cleaner shrimp. He was in a tank with fish which were much smaller then him. He was a very cool fish.

Here is a better video

melypr1985 · Apr 8, 2016

Wow! Thanks guys! We really had no idea what we got into with these guys! I"m so glad I asked before a customer bought on of them! Thanks again for all the info