The Strawberry Rockcod, Strawberry Cod, Orange Rock-Cod, Strawberry Hind, Strawberry Grouper (Cephalopholis spiloparaea) is a captivating marine fish known for its vibrant coloration and striking appearance. This species, found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, is a popular subject of interest for both amateur and professional aquarists.
Description & Characteristics
The Cephalopholis spiloparaea is a relatively small fish, typically reaching a maximum size of 30.0 cm. Its defining characteristic is its striking coloration, featuring a vibrant orange body covered in numerous white spots. This pattern, reminiscent of strawberries, gives the fish its common names. The Strawberry Rockcod has a robust body shape with a large head and a slightly compressed body. Its fins are typically orange with white edges, enhancing the overall vibrant appearance.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Strawberry Rockcod (Cephalopholis spiloparaea) is a common sight in the Indo-Pacific region, often found in depths ranging from 0.0 to 110.0 meters. This wide depth range allows the species to inhabit a variety of marine zones, including coral reefs, rocky slopes, and seagrass meadows. It is often observed in coastal areas as well as deeper oceanic regions, demonstrating a remarkable adaptability to different environments.
Taxonomy
The species Cephalopholis spiloparaea belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. This classification places the Strawberry Rockcod within the diverse and widespread group of fish known as the perch-like fishes, which includes a vast array of species with diverse characteristics and habitats.
Feeding
Cephalopholis spiloparaea is a carnivorous fish with a varied diet. Its feeding habits include a diverse range of prey, from small crustaceans like crabs and mysid shrimp to invertebrates like Aiptasia and Zoanthids. Its predatory nature allows it to play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of its marine environment. This species demonstrates a remarkable ability to adapt its diet to the available food sources in its habitat.
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