White Edge Lyretail Grouper

The White Edge Lyretail Grouper (Variola albimarginata) is a large Indo-Pacific reef-associated predator with a reddish body covered in pale blue to pink spotting and a distinct light edge along the tail. It’s often seen cruising above the reef face rather than staying tight to the rocks, giving it a true open-water over the reef look in big fish systems.

What You’ll Observe:

• Patrols open lanes in the tank, then glides back to a favorite cave or overhang between passes
• Spends long stretches hovering several inches to a few feet off the rockwork, especially once settled
• Learns a feeding routine and becomes noticeably more visible when it recognizes the tank’s food schedule
• Typically keeps to itself as a single centerpiece fish, showing up confidently when comfortable

To succeed, provide a large aquarium with strong filtration, wide swimming room, and multiple caves/ledges so it can move between open water and shaded cover. Offer meaty marine foods (like chopped seafood and quality frozen blends) on a steady schedule, and keep tankmates similarly robust and too large to be viewed as prey.

Why does it hover in the open water instead of staying in the rocks all day?
Many lyretail-type groupers naturally cruise and hover above the reef edge between short patrols, then return to a preferred ledge or cave to reset.

Will the tail edge and spotting stay sharp over time?
Under stable conditions, the light tail margin and contrasting spots tend to remain a defining feature; color depth often looks best with consistent feeding and a regular photoperiod.

Does it need live food to start eating in captivity?
Most individuals can be started on frozen/meaty marine foods, then offered a variety of textures (chunks, strips, and smaller pieces) until it locks into a routine.

Is it normal for it to claim one cave and keep returning to it?
Yes—many keepers notice a favorite retreat that becomes a home base, especially after feeding or when lights change.

What’s the best way to plan for long-term size and space?
Assume it will need it’s forever-tank room (250 gallons) as it matures; planning around adult swimming space needed helps it stay active and visible.

We source from vetted suppliers known for healthy, long-lived specimens.