The Halfspotted Hind, Yellowfin Hind, scientifically known as Cephalopholis hemistiktos, is a captivating marine fish species belonging to the Serranidae family, commonly referred to as groupers. This fish, characterized by its distinctive coloration and intriguing behavior, is a fascinating subject of study for marine biologists and aquarists alike.
Description & Characteristics
The Cephalopholis hemistiktos is a relatively small grouper species, reaching a maximum size of 35.0 cm. The fish exhibits a striking coloration, with a yellow body adorned with distinctive black spots. These spots are often concentrated on the upper portion of the body, giving rise to the common name “Halfspotted Hind”. The fish also possesses a prominent yellow dorsal fin, hence the alternate name “Yellowfin Hind”.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Cephalopholis hemistiktos is an inhabitant of the Indo-Pacific region, specifically the tropical and subtropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean. This species is typically found in shallow to moderately deep coral reefs, with a depth range of 4.0 to 55.0 meters. The Cephalopholis hemistiktos prefers habitats rich in coral cover, providing ample hiding spaces and a diverse food source.
Taxonomy
The Cephalopholis hemistiktos belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. These classifications reflect the evolutionary history and shared characteristics of this species with other bony fish, and the groupers, respectively.
Feeding
The Cephalopholis hemistiktos is a predatory fish with a varied diet. Their feeding habits include consuming a wide range of smaller fish, crustaceans, and coralfish. This carnivorous species is known to be opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of available food sources within their habitat. They are also known to readily accept commercial fish flakes and frozen food, which makes them suitable for aquarium settings.
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