Fewspot Hind

The Fewspot Hind (Cephalopholis oligosticta) is a species within the genus Cephalopholis, deriving its name from the Greek words 'kephale' meaning head and 'pholis' meaning scale. This species is tropical, marine, and closely associated with reefs, exhibiting non-migratory behavior and typically inhabiting depths ranging from 15 to 50 meters. The maximum recorded length for this species is 30 cm.

The Fewspot Hind is primarily found in dead reefs located in silty areas, as well as in silty lagoons. Adult specimens are frequently encountered in or near caves, whereas juveniles are more commonly observed in coral rubble areas. Additionally, this species may hold potential as an aquarium novelty, given its distinctive features. Notably, ripe females have been documented at sizes ranging from 17 to 19 cm, and mature males at 22 cm.

In terms of morphological features, the Fewspot Hind is characterized by having 9 dorsal spines, 14 to 15 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 9 anal soft rays. The body depth measures between 2.6 and 3.0, while the head length ranges from 2.4 to 2.6 times in standard length. It has a slightly convex interorbital area, with a width equivalent to the orbit diameter in specimens of approximately 19 cm. The preopercle is rounded and finely serrated posteriorly, with a coarser lower edge. Both the subopercle and interopercle are fully serrated, and the maxilla extends well beyond the eye.

Geographically, the Fewspot Hind is restricted to the western 🌊 Indian Ocean, specifically within the 🌊 Red Sea, from Eilat in the northern Gulf of Aqaba to the Farasan Islands at the southern end of 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia.