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.

Saltwater

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

Identification points

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.

Bait notes

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

Behavior

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.

Caution

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.

Fishing notes

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.