Cephalopholis cyanostigma (Valenciennes, 1828)
Bluespotted hind
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Epinephelidae (Groupers)
Max. size:  55 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 50 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Philippines to Australia (Dampier Islands, off Western Australia to the Capricorn Islands, of the southern Great Barrier Reef); including Palau, New Britain, and the Solomon Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-8. Juveniles dark brown with bright yellow dorsal, anal, pelvic and tail fins. At size about 9 cm, small scattered blue dots appear and yellow on fins begins to recede (Ref. 37816); characterized further by brown to reddish brown color, usually mottled; head, body and fins covered with numerous white to bluish spots; several pale bars evident on side; scales ctenoid scales on body including abdomen; greatest body depth 2.6-3.0 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins 1.8-2.1 in head length (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits shallow protected coastal reefs, in seagrass beds, and in coral-rich areas (Ref. 9710, 48635). Feeds on crustaceans and fishes (Ref. 37816). Solitary (Ref 90102). Protogynous hermaphrodite (Ref. 089707).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 November 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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