ANIMAL SPECIES:Flagtail Rockcod, Cephalopholis urodeta (Forster, 1801)
The Flagtail Rockcod has two white diagonal bars on the caudal fin. The species occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific.
Alternative Name/s
The Flagtail Rockcod has also been called the Chevron Rock-cod, Darkfin Hind, Duskyfin Hind and Flag-tailed Cod.Identification
The Flagtail Rockcod can be recognised by its colouration. It is reddish brown, usually darker posteriorly, often with six faint bars that cross the body and bifurcate ventrally. There are small orange-red spots on the head and nape, a pair of dark spots on the front of the lower lip and two white diagonal bars on the caudal fin.
Size range
It grows to 27 cm in length.Distribution
The species occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific.
In Australia it is known from south-western to north-western Western Australia and from the northern Great Barrier, Queensland.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Flagtail Rockcod specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species is found on coral reefs.
Classification
- Species:
- urodeta
- Genus:
- Cephalopholis
- Family:
- Serranidae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- 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.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 330.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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Flagtail Rockcod, Cephalopholis urodeta View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Flagtail Rockcod at Raine Island View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Flagtail Rockcod caught at South Solitary Island View full size
Ben Marsh
© Ben Marsh
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