The Chocolate Hind, also known as the Chocolate Grouper (Cephalopholis boenak), is a species of fish belonging to the family Serranidae, commonly known as sea basses, groupers, and anthias. This fish is distinguished by its unique coloration, a blend of brown and black hues, reminiscent of chocolate.
Description and Characteristics
The Chocolate Hind, Cephalopholis boenak, reaches a maximum size of 30.0 cm. Its coloration is a striking combination of brown and black, with individuals typically displaying a darker brown to almost black body, often featuring lighter brown spots or blotches. This coloration provides effective camouflage in its natural habitat.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Chocolate Hind, Cephalopholis boenak, is found in coastal waters, particularly in reef-associated environments. They typically inhabit depths ranging from 1.0 to 64.0 meters, thriving in the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the ocean. These zones extend from the lower limit of the intertidal zone down to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. As a neritic species, Cephalopholis boenak is a characteristic inhabitant of these marine ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The Chocolate Hind, Cephalopholis boenak, belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. This classification reflects its relationship to a diverse group of fishes that includes sea basses, groupers, and anthias.
Feeding
The Chocolate Hind, Cephalopholis boenak, is a carnivore, with a diet primarily consisting of crustaceans and smaller fishes. Their feeding habits are predatory, relying on their sharp teeth and hunting skills to capture prey. They often target rock shrimps, shrimps, and other small creatures within their habitat. Their diet also includes crustaceans like mysis, contributing to their role in the marine food web.
Image References