Sixblotch hind
📖 Overview
Adults are found in rich coastal to outer reefs, usually along deep walls with caves, rich with invertebrate growth such as large sponges or soft corals . They occur singly or in small groups . A secretive species which are active nocturnally in shallow water and diurnally in deeper water . They are often seen with the cleaner shrimp Periclimenes elegans . Adults feed mainly on fishes and reach sexual maturity at 25 cm SL . Probably of commercial interest to certain local fisheries. Are caught with hook-and-line, traps, and spear . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: greatest body depth 2.5-3.0 times in standard length (for specimens 13-39 cm SL); head length 2.3-2.5 times in SL; longitudinal scale series 95-108; ctenoid scales on body, including abdomen; caudal fin rounded; pelvic fins not reaching or just about the anus, 1.9-2.3 in HL. Colour of body orange-red, with small blue spots sparsely scattered but more densely on head and median fins; head also with elongated blue spots and lines; body with 4 dark bars (sometimes very faint) merging dorsally with blackish blotches at base of dorsal fin and extending onto the fin; 2 similar but smaller dark bar/blotches on caudal peduncle .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Sixblotch hind is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 150 m . Tropical; 34°N - 23°S, 31°E - 138°W South Africa and eastward to French Polynesia.
🌿 Ecology
fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cephalopholis coatesi | Whitley | 1937 | Synonym |
| Cephalopholis gibbus | Fourmanoir | 1955 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus coatesi | Whitley | 1937 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus sexmaculatus | Rüppell | 1830 | Synonym |
| Serranus sexmaculatus | Rüppell | 1830 | Synonym |
| Serranus zanana | Valenciennes | 1828 | Heterotypic |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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