Red Louti Grouper Saltwater Fish

$82.73

The Red Louti Grouper (Variola louti) is a stunning marine showpiece known for its vibrant red base coloration, lavender speckling, and distinctive lyre-shaped tail fin. Native to the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea, this dynamic predator brings impressive activity and striking visual presence to expansive Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock (FOWLR) marine setups.

As an ambush predator reaching up to 75–89 cm in the wild, this hardy species thrives in spacious aquariums with heavy filtration and robust rockwork caves. It feeds eagerly on large, meaty marine fare and commands attention as a bold centerpiece alongside other substantial, semi-aggressive saltwater tankmates.

Key Features

Scientific Name	Variola louti
Common Name	Red Louti Grouper
Other Common Names	Lyretail Grouper, Yellow-edged Lyretail, Coronation Grouper
Origin	Indo-Pacific (Widespread, including Red Sea)
Maximum Size	75–89 cm
Diet	Carnivore
Temperament	Aggressive / Predatory
Reef Compatibility	No
Minimum Tank Size	1,135+ L (757 L minimum for small juvenile)
Water Type	Marine / Saltwater

Highlights

Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Variola louti
Primary Common Name: Red Louti Grouper
Other Common Names: Lyretail Grouper, Yellow-edged Lyretail, Coronation Grouper
Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread, including Red Sea)
Max Size: 30–35 inches (75–89 cm)
Temperament: Aggressive / Predatory
Diet: Carnivore (Large, meaty frozen foods)
Minimum Tank Size: 300+ Gallons (200 Gallon minimum for small juvenile)
Reef Compatibility: No (Will consume small fish and invertebrates)

Materials & care

Diet & Compatibility:

Diet: The Red Louti Grouper is a dedicated Carnivore and an opportunistic predator. Its natural diet is heavily composed of fish and larger crustaceans.
Feeding: It requires a diet of large, meaty foods. Feed every 1–2 days until the stomach shows a slight bulge. Suitable foods include chunks of frozen marine fish (e.g., silversides), krill, raw table shrimp, squid, and clam. They have a relatively slow metabolism compared to other fish and are prone to obesity if overfed.
Reef Compatibility: It is Not Reef Safe. While the Grouper typically ignores corals and sessile inverts, it will inevitably hunt and consume all ornamental shrimp, crabs, and any fish small enough to fit into its mouth, which is surprisingly large.
Temperament: It is Aggressive / Predatory. This Grouper should only be housed with large, robust, semi-aggressive to aggressive tankmates that are at least half its body length. Good companions include large triggerfish, lionfish, robust angelfish, and large tangs. It is a solitary species and should be kept singly unless the aquarium is exceptionally large (hundreds of gallons).

Compatibility

Compatible only with large, semi-aggressive to aggressive tankmates measuring at least half its length, including lionfish, large triggers, tangs, and angelfish. Incompatible with reef invertebrates, crustaceans, and small fish.

Frequently asked questions

What should I feed the Red Louti Grouper?

Offer large, meaty marine items every 1 to 2 days, including chunks of frozen marine fish like silversides, krill, raw shrimp, squid, and clams until the stomach slightly bulges.

Is the Red Louti Grouper safe for reef aquariums?

No, it is not reef safe because it will actively hunt and consume ornamental shrimp, crabs, and any fish small enough to fit into its mouth.

What tank size is required for this grouper?

A minimum aquarium capacity of 1,135 L or more is recommended for adults, though juveniles may be started in a 757 L system with powerful filtration.

Which tankmates can be housed with a Red Louti Grouper?

House this species with large, robust, and semi-aggressive fish that are at least half its body length, such as large triggerfish, lionfish, robust angelfish, and large tangs.

Important Fulfillment Information

Fish and corals ship Monday through Thursday. Not all fish are sexed. If so it will specify.

Once your order ships, you will receive an email with your tracking number. Refunds are always issued for any fish not shipped.

PlantedPlus operates as a collective of trusted freshwater and saltwater importers. This policy allows us to prioritize animal welfare while maintaining reliable service for our hobbyists.

Shipping Cost Disclosure

To help keep ordering live fish online affordable, Planted Plus subsidizes a portion of shipping costs. Because these costs are incurred regardless of order completion, shipping charges are non-refundable.