Cephalopholis nigripinnis (Valenciennes, 1828)

Maximum length

Cephalopholis nigripinnis is a small species of grouper with a maximum total length of 28 cm (11 in).

Body proportions

Its body is less deep than the head is long, with body depth equal to around one third of its standard length.

Head morphology

The profile between its eyes is convex, its rounded preopercle has a serrated edge and a fleshy lower edge, and the maxilla extends past the eye.

Dorsal and anal fin structure

The dorsal fin has 9 spines and 14 to 16 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 8 to 9 soft rays.

Caudal and pelvic fin structure

Its caudal fin is rounded, and the pelvic fins do not reach as far as the anus.

General body coloration

This species is generally red overall, becoming darker toward the tail, with faint spotting and barring.

Fin coloration

The dark tail fin can be almost black and is covered in small pale spots; the pectoral fins are red at their base and darken toward the margin.

Comoros Islands color morph

In the Comoros Islands, individuals are almost black in color to match their dark habitat.

Opercle marking

A prominent brown spot is present on the opercle.

Western Indian Ocean distribution

This species is distributed in the western Indian Ocean: along the eastern coast of Africa from Kenya south to Europa Island and South Africa, as well as the Seychelles, Mascarenes, Madagascar, and the British Indian Ocean territory.

Eastern range distribution

Further east, it occurs in the Maldives, off Sri Lanka, and in the Andaman Sea south to Sumatra.

Australian distribution

In Australia, it is only found at Christmas Island.

Population abundance

Cephalopholis nigripinnis is common across its range.

Habitat and diet

It inhabits coral-rich areas at depths down to 60 metres (200 ft), and feeds on small fishes and crustaceans.