About Cephalopholis argus Schneider, 1801
Taxonomic Identification
Cephalopholis argus Schneider, 1801 is a medium-sized fish that can grow up to 60 centimeters (24 inches) in length.
Coloration of Small Individuals
Small individuals of this species are dark brown, and covered in hundreds of small iridescent blue spots with dark edges.
Coloration of Large Individuals
Larger specimens sometimes develop four to six lighter vertical bars on the back half of their body.
Distribution Range
This species has an extremely wide distribution, found in warm waters ranging from the Red Sea to South Africa, and east as far as French Polynesia and the Pitcairn group.
Additional Distribution Locations
It is also found in northern Australia, Lord Howe Island, and Japan, and has been introduced to the Hawaiian Islands.
Habitat and Depth Range
It occupies a variety of different habitats, but it prefers the exposed fronts of reefs, found at depths of up to 40 meters.
Spawning Behavior
In Micronesia, spawning of this species usually occurs within territories at dusk.
Courtship Coloration
During courtship, both males and females darken in color, except for a white keyhole-shaped patch located at the center of the body.
