Sixblotch hind (Cephalopholis sexmaculata) is a saltwater species recorded in Taiwan, Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 0–150 m.
Scientific name: Cephalopholis sexmaculata · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 50 cm
The sixblotch hind is a serranid of the genus Cephalopholis. Adults live on rich coastal to outer reefs, usually along deep walls and caves where large sponges, soft corals and other invertebrates grow, and occur singly or in small groups. It is a secretive species whose activity shifts with depth, feeding at night in shallow water and by day in deeper water, and it is often seen with the cleaner shrimp Periclimenes elegans. It feeds mainly on fishes and matures at about 25 cm standard length. It is taken with hook and line, traps and spear. Its range runs from the Red Sea and South Africa east to French Polynesia, between roughly 34 degrees north and 23 degrees south, from the surface to about 150 m. It reaches about 50 cm total length and up to about 7 kg. It supports subsistence fisheries and is a game fish, selling in the highest price band. IUCN lists it as least concern. Trophic level is 4, fishing vulnerability low to moderate at 33 of 100, and resilience medium.
Back to home · Taiwan, Malaysia · Species library