Tomato hind
📖 Overview
Adults occur in deep lagoon reefs and steep outer reef slopes and in coastal areas with rocky substrates. Juveniles are usually found near sponges or coral heads . Adults usually at moderate depths with bommies with large holes, usually occupied by cleaner shrimps . They are solitary and are usually caught in depths of 30 to 100 m, but in Madagascar, they occur in depths of 10 to 20 m. They feed on small fishes and crustaceans including shrimps, crabs and stomatopods . Females mature at about 28 cm SL and males at about 34 cm SL . Are sold in Hong Kong live fish markets . They are generally marketed fresh and of commercial importance throughout most of its range. They are primarily caught with hook-and-line, spear, and in traps .
🔬 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: body depth greater than or subequal to head length, 2.3-2.7 times in standard length (for specimens 9-41 cm SL); dorsal head profile of adults straight to concave, the nape distinctly convex; pectoral fins subequal to pelvic fins, 1.5-1.7 times in head length for specimens of 15-40 cm length (in specimens larger than 40 cm, the pelvic fins are longer than the pectoral fins); pelvic fins reaching to or beyond anus; ctenoid body scales, cycloid on abdomen. Colour: Adults from Pacific Ocean generally pale reddish to yellowish brown, covered with numerous small brownish red or dark brown spots on head, body, and fins; while the juveniles are dark reddish brown to nearly black, the rear margin of caudal fin and sometimes pectoral fins whitish; or body brownish orange with scattered pale greenish spots, and black spot between upper and middle opercular spines . : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Tomato hind is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Tomato hind is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Tomato hind is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 10 - 150 m , usually 20 - 150 m . Tropical; 34°N - 32°S, 31°E - 158°W east coast of Africa (Djibouti, Socotra to Durban) to the Line Islands, north to southern Japan, south to southern Queensland (Australia).
🌿 Ecology
small fishes and crustaceans including shrimps, crabs and stomatopods (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Tomato hind is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 164 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Tomato hind has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cephalopholis purpureus | Fourmanoir | 1966 | Synonym |
| Cephalopolis sonnerati | Valenciennes | 1828 | Synonym |
| Cepholopholis sonnerati | Valenciennes | 1828 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus janthinopterus | Bleeker | 1873 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus sonnerati | Valenciennes | 1828 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus unicolor | Bleeker | 1875 | Synonym |
| Serranus sonnerati | Valenciennes | 1828 | Synonym |
| Serranus unicolor | Liénard | 1874 | Synonym |
| Serranus zananella | Valenciennes | 1828 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 7 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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