ANIMAL SPECIES:Coral Cod, Cephalopholis miniata (Forsskal, 1775)
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.
Size range
The species grows to 41 cm in length.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.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Coral Cod specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species is usually seen in caves and under ledges.
Classification
- Species:
- miniata
- Genus:
- Cephalopholis
- Family:
- Serranidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- 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.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- 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.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 507.
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A Coral Cod at North Solitary Island View full size
Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw
A close-up of a Coral Cod at North Solitary Island View full size
Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw
A Coral Cod at 'Pixie's Pinnacle' View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Head of a Coral Cod at 'Lighthouse' View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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