Tomato grouper (Cephalopholis sonnerati) is a saltwater species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan. It is mainly found over reef, coral, rocky, at depths of 10–150 m. The main season in Hong Kong, Taiwan runs all year.
Scientific name: Cephalopholis sonnerati · Water: Saltwater · Season: All year
Size: up to 30 cm
The Tomato grouper is a small Cephalopholis, orange-red and finely spotted, which Hong Kong calls the red melon grouper and Taiwan the red helm. Available all year and reaching about 30 cm, it lives from 10 to 150 m and IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Adults occupy deep lagoon reefs, steep outer reef slopes and coastal rocky ground, favouring bommies with large holes that are occupied by cleaner shrimps, while juveniles stay near sponges and coral heads. It is solitary and feeds on fish, crustaceans and crabs. Eastern and southern Taiwan and Penghu are the main grounds, where it hides in reef holes and is wary, so anglers use squid strip, shrimp or small live shrimp on light rock-fishing tackle. Sold live in Hong Kong markets.
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