Coral Grouper

Cephalopholis miniata

The coral grouper (Cephalopholis miniata) is a colorful reef-dwelling grouper found across the Indo-Pacific. It lives on coral slopes and lagoon reefs, ambushing small fish and crustaceans from cover.

Air masin

Coral Grouper reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Sumber: Wikimedia Commons.

Titik pengenalan

Bright orange-red body with blue spots on the head, body, and fins
Rounded tail fin and stout, deep-bodied grouper shape
Juveniles and adults retain the distinctive spotted red-orange pattern, unlike drabber reef groupers

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs, reef slopes, lagoons, and outer reef drop-offs, usually among complex coral bommies and ledges in 1-150 m of water.

Nota umpan

Takes small live reef fish, squid strips, shrimp, and cut bait; small jigs and soft plastics worked close to structure can also draw strikes.

Tingkah laku

A territorial ambush predator that rests in crevices by day and feeds on reef fish and crustaceans, often most active at dawn, dusk, and at night.

Berhati-hati

Can accumulate ciguatoxin in some reef areas; avoid eating large individuals from known ciguatera-risk regions. Handle carefully around sharp gill covers and reef hazards.

Nota memancing

Fish tight to reef edges, holes, and drop-offs with stout tackle and abrasion-resistant leader; present bait naturally and be ready to pull fish away from cover fast.