Smallest grouper/ snapper/ similar fish aviable

[Picasso the Triggerfish]

Im really interested on groupers, snappers and almost anything that looks similar to them. What is the grouper, snapper or similar fish (comet groupers, sweetlips...) smallest species and what thank it needs? Im aware that groupers and snappers most of the time need enormous fish tanks for what I have seen, but I want to know what will fit me best for a lighly stocked person?
(grouper species I can buy: Cephalopholis, Epinephelus)

 

[Zionas]

Are you looking for a “true” grouper or snapper? How big is your tank?

 

[Picasso the Triggerfish]

I really want one of the 2 or a comet grouper and im looking the smallest since my tank is not setted up yet

 

[Picasso the Triggerfish]

I discovered that the marine betta (aka: comet grouper) can fit in small tanks of 50 G, just need to know how to take care of it and if can live with 2 maroon clowns, a snowflake eel and a valentini puffer

 

[Zionas]

Then the Marine Betta will be your best choice by far. Doesn’t get smaller than the Marine Betta.

 

[Angel_Anthias lover]

Chalk basslets are serranids, as are anthias, so all in the grouper family and stay small. Though idk how theyd do with agressive fish.

Theres also hamlets which i believe stay small, like the shy hamlet

 

[Zionas]

Forgot about these ones, lol.

 

[nereefpat]

I discovered that the marine betta (aka: comet grouper) can fit in small tanks of 50 G, just need to know how to take care of it and if can live with 2 maroon clowns, a snowflake eel and a valentini puffer

I would not attempt all of those in a 50 gallon.

A smallish grouper that I've seen in the trade is a v-tail...about 10" max, I believe.

 

[Picasso the Triggerfish]

Any fish I should remove or change so my 50 G can success? (the main piece is the snowflake eel)
A indigo hamlet maybe can fit in it?

 

[Pbh-reef]

I wouldn’t do maroon clowns in a 50 or with a betta - they are too aggressive. Perc or occ clowns are a lot more peaceful.

a Valentini might nip at the eel and the betta but I’m not sure @lion king what do you think?

the snowflake eel with the betta is a great choice. Lots of other peaceful fish you could do with them - probably including a hamlet or soap fish, but they aren’t the easiest to find.

 

[Picasso the Triggerfish]

I wouldn’t do maroon clowns in a 50 or with a betta - they are too aggressive. Perc or occ clowns are a lot more peaceful.

a Valentini might nip at the eel and the betta but I’m not sure @lion king what do you think?

the snowflake eel with the betta is a great choice. Lots of other peaceful fish you could do with them - probably including a hamlet or soap fish, but they aren’t the easiest to find.

Luckily for me I founded a indigo hamlet and I will search in the fish shop a soapfish, any recomendation for a 70 G big fish (the eel can eat it if is too small) that can live with a indigo hamlet, an snowflake eel and a betta?

 

[Zionas]

Is it a Two Barred Soapfish? Here we have them in the shallow waters off the coast of Guangdong.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Looks similar would be hawkfish, hamlets and grunts. Squirrel fish also

 

[Han]

Some of the other species of roundheads (besides the marine betta) are more grouper like in terms of looks and behavior. Unfortunately they’re hard to find and can be expensive when available. Check out plesiops corallicola and paraplesiops poweri, or any of the related species.

 

[Zionas]

The Roundheads are the tanks among saltwater fish. Unless they’re in a weakened condition to begin with, they’re very hard to kill it seems.

 

[Zionas]

x1 Marine Betta (easiest to find) (8”)

x1 Double Barred Soapfish (is that the one you have?) (10”)

x1 Indigo Hamlet (6”)

x1 Snowflake Moray (2’)

x1 Spotted Grouper (10-12”) / Blue Line Snapper (10”)

Maybe this for your predatory fish?

 

[Picasso the Triggerfish]

Good stocking idea, my planned tank size is only 70 G though, maybe this will work:

x1 Marine betta

x1 Snowflake eel

x1 Indigo hamlet

x1 Small angel, maybe coral beauty or a small angel that can get along with the others

 

[Zionas]

Coral Beauty, Flame etc. are more peaceful than the Pygmy Angels. You could fit a pair of Clowns and after that 1 more smaller fish up to 5 inches, I think. Just make sure the Clowns are Ocellaris or Percula.

 

[Picasso the Triggerfish]

Ok, so the choosed angel will be a Coral Beauty

 

[mtfish]

If I remember correctly the belted sandfish stays small. Not sure about the aquarium trade, but would occasionally catch one here off the Texas beach.