Red Veil Tail Grouper

Also known as the Lyretail Grouper or Lunartail Grouper

The Red Veil Tail Grouper is a stunning predatory species that showcases exceptional coloration and an elegant, flowing tail. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around coral reefs and rocky outcrops, this aggressive hunter features a vibrant red to orange body with distinctive white to yellow markings and a dramatic lunate tail. While their predatory nature and substantial size make them suitable only for experienced aquarists with large systems, they offer remarkable presence and captivating behaviors for those prepared to meet their demanding care requirements.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Cephalopholis urodelus
• Common Names: Red Veil Tail Grouper, Lyretail Grouper, Lunartail Grouper, Coronation Trout
• Adult Size: 24–32 inches (60–80 cm); commonly 20–28 inches in aquariums
• Lifespan: 15–20+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Highly aggressive and predatory; will consume any fish that fits in mouth
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe – voracious predator toward fish and mobile invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 300 gallons minimum (400+ gallons strongly recommended)
• Experience Level: Expert only – requires specialized care and commitment

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found on coral reefs, drop-offs, and caves at depths of 15–1,000 feet. Adults typically patrol deeper reef slopes while juveniles inhabit shallower reef areas with abundant hiding spots.

Tank Environment:

• Spacious caves and overhangs for shelter
• Secure, heavy rockwork formations
• Open swimming areas for cruising
• Strong filtration for high bioload
• Dim to moderate lighting preferred
• Secure lid to prevent escape

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <30 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Fresh/frozen fish, shrimp, squid, scallops (primary diet)
• Live feeder fish (quarantined only, occasional)
• Large marine carnivore pellets (supplementary)
• Whole prey items for nutritional completeness

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 3–4 times weekly for adults
• Remove uneaten food promptly
• Fast one day weekly to prevent obesity
• Use feeding stick or tongs only

Behavior & Compatibility

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Large tangs (12+ inches), large angelfish, large pufferfish, large triggerfish (similar or larger size only)
• Avoid: All fish smaller than 8 inches, slow-moving species, ornamental shrimp, crabs, long-finned fish

Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe; will consume all fish and mobile invertebrates.

Color & Development

Coloration: Brilliant red to reddish-orange body covered with small blue to violet spots; dramatic lunate (moon-shaped) tail with extended fin rays; juveniles show more intense red coloration that may fade slightly with age.

Why Choose a Quarantined Red Veil Tail Grouper?

Our quarantine protocol includes 4–6 weeks minimum observation, preventative treatments, dietary conditioning to frozen foods, and temperament assessment. These magnificent predators represent the ultimate centerpiece for expert aquarists with the space and resources to provide appropriate care for these powerful, intelligent hunters.