Issue
The species has been synonymized with Cephalopholis urodeta (Forster, 1801) for a long time (e.g., Ref. 4787, Ref. 5222).
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 60 m (Ref. 89707), usually 0 - 15 m (Ref. 89707). Tropical; 12°N - 39°S, 40°E - 100°E (Ref. 89707)
Indian Ocean: From East coast of Africa (Kenay to South Africa) to Sumatra; Comoros Is., Mascarene Is., Maldives, Sri Lanka, Chagos I.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 28.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 89707)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. Characterized by red color grading to dark brown on posterior part of the body; posterior edge of operculum with prominent brown "ear" spot; body scales ctenoid, including abdomen; greatest depth of body 2.7-3.1 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins 1.8-2.2 in head length (Ref. 90102); interorbital area convex; rounded preopercle, finely serrate, lower edge fleshy; subopercle and interopercle usually smooth; maxilla reaching well past eye (Ref. 089707).
Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
Common throughout its range, the species inhabits coral-rich areas. It feeds on small fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 89707). Solitary (Ref 90102).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Craig, M.T., YJ. Sadovy de Mitcheson and P.C. Heemstra, 2011. Groupers of the world: a field and market guide. North America: CRC Press/Taylor and Francis Group, xix, 356 p., A47 pages appendix. (Ref. 89707)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
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