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. 
 

Size:

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

Habitat and Ecology:

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.

Fishery Status:

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.  
 

Notes:

 

 

References:

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)

Citation:

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).