Flagtail Grouper

Cephalopholis urodeta

Flagtail Grouper (Cephalopholis urodeta) is a small reef grouper of the Indo-Pacific, usually found on coral-rich drop-offs and lagoon reefs. It is an ambush predator that feeds mainly on small fishes and crustaceans and is occasionally taken by line anglers.

Saltwater

Flagtail Grouper reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Dark brown to reddish body with a pale blue-green sheen on the head and sides
White-edged black tail fin with a conspicuous pale or white rear margin
Several pale blue spots on the head and upper body, with a stout grouper profile

Habitat

Coral reefs, reef fronts, lagoon patch reefs, and outer reef slopes; typically close to cover in crevices, ledges, and rubble at moderate depths.

Bait notes

Small live reef fish, squid strips, cut bait, shrimp, and reef-prawn baits work well; small jigging spoons and soft plastics fished near bottom can also draw strikes.

Behavior

A solitary ambush predator that rests tight to structure by day and forages on small reef fish and crustaceans, often more active at dusk and night.

Caution

Use caution handling the sharp dorsal spines and avoid taking fish from coral reefs where ciguatera risk may apply; local size and bag limits may restrict harvest.

Fishing notes

Drop baits tight to coral ledges and holes, then hold just off bottom; use light but abrasion-resistant leader because it runs back into structure. Short pauses and precise placement matter more than long casts.