Description:

Dorsal spines: 9; Dorsal rays: 14-16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8-9.

The maxilla extends to or posterior to rear of the orbit.

Body bright orange-red to dark red, becoming darker posteriorly, with numerous, usually dark-edged, bright blue spots on head, body and median (non-paired) fins. 
Juveniles are more yellowish with faint pale blue spots. Soft dorsal, caudal and anal fins often have a narrow blue margin and blackish submarginal line. 
 

Maturity: Lm ?, range 26 - ? cm. Max length : 50.0 cm TL

Inhabits clear waters on coral reefs (depth 2-150 m) more often in exposed rather than protected reef areas. Feeds on small fish and crustaceans. Forms haremic groups 
comprising of a dominant male and 2 to 12 females that occupy territories of up to 475 m2 the females defending smaller territories within that area.

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the hand line and fish trap fishery. It is a frequent but not abundant component of the catch.  
 

Craig, M.T. et al. (2011). Groupers of the World - a field and market guide. NISC (Pty) Ltd, South Africa. ISBN: 978-1-920033-11-8
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.de/summary/6450 (02/01/19).
Heemstra P & Heemstra, E. (2004). Coastal Fishes of Southern Africa. NISC SAIAB. ISBN: 1-920033-01-7.
Nevill, J. (2013). A Species Identification Guide for Commonly Caught Fish in the Seychelles Near-Shore Artisanal Fishery. GOS/UNDP/GEF.
Rocha, L.A. (2018). Cephalopholis miniata. The IUCN Red List 2018: http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T132732A100455926.en.  (02/01/19)

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Cephalopholis miniata, Coral hind. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/cephalopholis-miniata-valenciennes-1828/ (edited 24/07/22).