Coral Cod, Cephalopholis miniata (Forsskal, 1775)

Introduction

The Coral Cod occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific, usually seen in caves and under ledges.

Identification

The Coral Cod can be recognised by its pattern of bright blue spots on an orange-red background. These spots are smaller than the size of the pupil, and cover the head, body and median fins. Juvenile Coral Cod are orange to yellow.

Habitat

The species is usually seen in caves and under ledges.

Distribution

The Coral Cod occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific.

In Australia it is known from the central Western Australian coast, around the tropical north, and down the east coast to northern New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
2. Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
4. Paxton, J.R., D.F. Hoese, G.R. Allen & J.E. Hanley. 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia Vol.7 Pisces Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra: Australian Biological Resources Survey. Pp. i-xii, 1-665.
5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 507.