Cephalopholis miniata is one of the most common and beautiful coral groupers, and is often seen by divers and snorkelers on the upper reef slopes, similar to C. argus.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 40 cm
color
Bright-orange red with numerous small blue spots covering most of the body, but not underside of jaw. Pectoral fins yellow-orange distally.
This species is typically found on coral reefs that are well-developed and exposed, in clear water at depths ranging from 2 to 150 meters. Its diet consists of schooling fishes and benthic invertebrates.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has 9 spines and 14-16 rays, the anal fin has 3 spines and 9 rays, and the pectoral fin has 17-18 rays. The body depth is 2.6-3.0 in standard length, and the maxilla is scaly and reaches to or beyond the vertical at the rear edge of the orbit. The preopercle is rounded with a fleshy lower edge, and the caudal and anal fins are rounded.