Cephalopholis hemistiktos (Halfspotted hind)

Identification

Brown to red with blotches, blue spots on the head, lower body, the tail has blue spots and a blue edge. Identification can be tricky, as there is a wide variety of similar groupers. They normally stay close to the bottom.

Status

Near threatened on the IUCN Red List. Groupers are commercially fished, and as this species is one of the largest in its genus, it will be a prized target for future efforts.

Habitat

Western Indian Ocean: only from the northern end of the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf and coast of Pakistan. Records from elsewhere are apparently based on misidentifications of other species, such as Cephalopholis miniata. Found on patchy open reef areas, rich in coral with caves and crevices, in a depth range of 4-55 meters.

Reproduction

It is a monogamous species, the pair jointly defends a common territory of up to 62 square meters.

Size

Up to 35cm.

Prey / Predation

It feeds on fish (Pomacentrids) and crustaceans.

Special features

This species has been recorded to reach an age of 26 years!