Cephalopholis leopardus is a common inhabitant of upper reef slopes, but due to its small size, mottled coloration, and secretive habits, it is often not noticed by divers.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 20 cm
color
Reddish-brown, pale below. Body with numerous orange spots. Two dark spots on upper caudal peduncle, the anterior one largest. Diagonal dark streaks on caudal fin, the upper one more distinct.
Frequently found on flourishing coral reefs, this species inhabits depths ranging from 3 to 38 meters and feeds on crustaceans.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has nine spines and thirteen to fifteen rays, the anal fin has three spines and nine to ten rays, the pectoral fin has sixteen to eighteen rays, the body depth is two and a half to two and eight tenths in standard length, the maxilla extends past the eyes, the preopercle is rounded, the pelvic fins usually do not reach the anus, and the caudal and anal fins are rounded.