Cephalopholis cyanostigma (Valenciennes, 1828)
Bluespotted hind
Baskuy,  Blue-spotted rockrod,  Lapu lapu,  Abo-abo,  Alatan,  Bantol,  Baraka,  Bato-bato,  Batol,  Buklak,  Diyaning,  Iner,  Inid,  Jahong,  Kakab,  Kaltang,  Kigting,  Kugtong,  Kugtung,  Kulapo,  Kurapo,  Kurapu,  Labungan,  Lapu-lapu,  Lapu-lapung lupot,  Lilug,  Lubo,  Mamonbong,  Maskad,  Matkad,  Ogaw,  Pugapo,  Pugapo salapok,  Pugayo,  Salingukod,  Sibog,  Sigapo,  Subla,  Tabadlo,  Tangk-an,  Ting-ad,  Tingag
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Epinephelidae (Groupers)
Max. size:  55 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 50 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Philippines to Australia (Dampier Islands, off Western Australia to the Capricorn Islands, of the southern Great Barrier Reef); including Palau, New Britain, and the Solomon Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-8. Juveniles dark brown with bright yellow dorsal, anal, pelvic and tail fins. At size about 9 cm, small scattered blue dots appear and yellow on fins begins to recede (Ref. 37816); characterized further by brown to reddish brown color, usually mottled; head, body and fins covered with numerous white to bluish spots; several pale bars evident on side; scales ctenoid scales on body including abdomen; greatest body depth 2.6-3.0 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins 1.8-2.1 in head length (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits shallow protected coastal reefs, in seagrass beds, and in coral-rich areas (Ref. 9710, 48635). Feeds on crustaceans and fishes (Ref. 37816). Solitary (Ref 90102). Protogynous hermaphrodite (Ref. 089707).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 November 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Recorded in TaƱon Strait (Ref. 107276), Calatagan and Nasugbu, Batangas (Ref. 107853). Known from Sibuyan, Romblon (Ref. 58652) and Lanuza Bay (Ref. 104756). Museum: LACM 35945-5, 37410, 42404-29; USNM 55911, 243476, 183257; BPBM 23500-2, 22061, 18464; CAS 61848, 63053. Also Ref. 5222, 37816, 48613, 53416, 090102, 089707, 121724.


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