|
Cephalopholis polleni (Bleeker, 1868) Harlequin hind |
|
|
|
photo by
Randall, J.E. |
| Family: | Epinephelidae (Groupers) | |||
| Max. size: | 43 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 120 m, non-migratory | |||
| Distribution: | Indo-Pacific: scattered insular localities from the Comoros to the Line Islands. Unknown from the Red Sea, coast of East Africa, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Guinea, and the larger islands of Indonesia. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Characterized by yellow to greenish yellow color; head, body and fins with bright blue stripes; body scales ctenoid, including abdomen; pelvic fins, 1.5-1.9 in head length; greatest depth of body 2.7-3.1 in SL; truncate caudal fin to slightly emarginate (Ref. 90102); eye diameter subequal to interorbital width and about twice the depth of the preorbital; rounded preopercle, finely serrate, lower edge with 1-3 broad serrae; subopercle and interopercle finely serrate; maxilla reaches approximately to vertical at rear edge of eye; pectoral fins subequal to pelvic fins, pectoral fin length contained 1.5-1.9 times in HL (Ref. 089707) | |||
| Biology: | Sporadic distribution (Ref. 48635). Occurs only at oceanic islands. Inhabits clear waters of steep drop-offs; rarely seen in less than 30 m. It has been taken in depths of 120 m and may occur deeper. Also found in caves and crevices. Often swims upside-down against the roofs of caves or archways (Ref. 37816). Feeds on fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 89972). Solitary (Ref 90102). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 27 March 2018 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||