Coral Grouper

Cephalopholis miniata, commonly known as the coral grouper or coral hind, is a marine fish species belonging to the grouper family. It can also be referred to as the coral rock cod, coral cod, coral trout, round-tailed trout, or vermillion seabass. This fish is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly associated with coral reefs.

Cephalopholis miniata has a distinct body shape, being 2.6-3.0 times as long as it is deep in its standard length. The head has a flat to slightly convex profile between the eyes, and a rounded, finely serrated preopercle with a fleshy lower edge. The maxilla extends past the rear of the eye. Indentations can be observed between the spines of the dorsal fin, and the lateral line consists of 47-56 scales. The dorsal fin has 9 spines and 14-15 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 8-9 soft rays. The body coloration is a vibrant orange-red to reddish brown, adorned with numerous small bright blue spots that cover the head, body, and fins. Occasionally, diagonal paler bars can be found on the sides of the fish. Juveniles differ in color, displaying orange to yellow hues with fewer widely spaced faint blue spots. The maximum recorded total length for Cephalopholis miniata is 50 centimeters (20 inches).

This species of fish has a wide distribution throughout the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the eastern coast of Africa to southern 🇯🇵 Japan and northern 🇦🇺 Australia. It is commonly found around most islands of the 🌊 Indian Ocean and the west-central Pacific, but has not been observed in the 🌊 Persian Gulf and 🌊 Gulf of Oman. Records also exist from southwestern 🇮🇳 India and the Andaman Sea coasts of 🇹🇭 Thailand. In 🇦🇺 Australia, it can be found from Western Australia to Queensland, including the Great Barrier Reef and various reefs in the Coral Sea and Lord Howe Island.

Cephalopholis miniata thrives in clear coastal and offshore waters with coral reefs, exhibiting a preference for exposed areas rather than sheltered ones. It is often sighted in caves and beneath ledges, at depths ranging from 2 to 150 meters (6.6 to 492.1 feet). As a predator, this fish primarily preys on small fish, with over 80% of its diet consisting of sea goldies (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), which it ambushes by rapidly rising up from the substrate. The remaining portion of its diet includes crustaceans. Coral hinds form harems consisting of a single male and up to 12 females. The male defends the harem's territory, covering approximately 475 square meters (5,110 square feet), while each female has her own smaller territory, which she defends against other females. Additionally, Coral hinds exhibit protogynous hermaphroditism, transitioning from female to male. The male patrols the territory, visiting each female and swimming parallel to them upon encounter.

Cephalopholis miniata was originally described as Perca miniata by Swedish explorer and naturalist Peter Forsskål, with its type locality given as Jeddah.

This species holds commercial importance in local fisheries, with fishing methods including hook and line, fish traps, and spears. It is also targeted for recreational angling. Due to its vibrant coloration, Cephalopholis miniata is popular in public aquaria and makes up a minor portion of the aquarium trade.