ANIMAL SPECIES:Hexagon Rockcod, Epinephelus hexagonatus (Forster, 1801)
The Hexagon Rockcod has brown polygonal spots on the head and body. There is a small white triangle between each of the polygonal spots, and five groups of darker brown spots along the base of the dorsal fin.
Identification
The Hexagon Rockcod has brown polygonal spots on the head and body. There is a small white triangle between each of the polygonal spots, and five groups of darker brown spots along the base of the dorsal fin.
Size range
The species grows to 30 cm in length.Distribution
The Hexagon Rockcod occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific, from East Africa, Madagascar and Christmas Island, north to Japan, south to Australia and east to French Polynesia.
In Australia the Hexagon Rockcod is known from the north-western coast of Western Australia and the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.
Habitat
The Hexagon Rockcod is usually seen in shallow outer reef areas that are exposed to surge.
It is most often found at depths of less than 6 m, but may be found at 10 m or more.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
Feedin occurs during the day and at night. The main prey items are fishes and crustaceans.
Other behaviours and adaptations
The colouration of this fish provides camouflage in the dappled sunlight of shallow reef habitats.
This species is usually seen as solitary individuals.
Classification
- Species:
- hexagonatus
- Genus:
- Epinephelus
- 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. 220.
- Heemstra, P.C. & J.E. Randall. 1993. Groupers of the World. (Family Serranidae, Subfamily Epinephelinae). An Annotated and Illustrated Catalogue of Grouper, Rockcod, Hind, Coral Grouper and Lyretail Species Known to Date. FAO Species Catalogue. Vol. 16. FAO. Rome. Pp. 382.
- Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 222.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 415.
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