Cephalopholis sonnerati (Valenciennes, 1828)

Body Length to Depth Ratio

When measured by standard length, the body of Cephalopholis sonnerati is 2.3 to 2.8 times as long as it is deep.

Adult Head Dorsal Profile

In adults, the dorsal profile of the head ranges from straight to concave, while the nape is noticeably convex.

Preopercle Margin Serrations

Its preopercle is rounded, with fine serrations along its margins, and a shallow cut just above the preopercle angle.

Preopercle Lower Edge Features

The lower edge of the preopercle has irregular serrations, and some of these serrations are enlarged into small, exposed spines.

Fin Spine and Ray Count

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

Caudal Fin Shape

The caudal fin is rounded.

General Body Coloration

This is a light reddish-brown grouper, with its body densely covered in rusty spots, and a rounded tail with a white margin.

Body Profile and Gill Cover Marking

It has a deep, stout body profile, with a dark blotch on the upper section of the gill cover.

Maximum Total Length

This species can reach a maximum total length of 57 centimetres, or 22 inches.

Pacific Specimen Coloration

Specimens collected from the Pacific Ocean typically have a body color ranging from pale reddish brown to yellowish brown, with numerous small, dense brownish spots covering the head, body, and fins.

Overall Distribution Range

Cephalopholis sonnerati has an Indo-Pacific distribution.

Extent of Geographic Range

Its range extends along the East African coast from the Gulf of Aden south to Durban, South Africa; it reaches east into the Pacific Ocean as far as the Line Islands, north as far as southern Japan, and south as far as Australia.

Australian Distribution

In Australia, it can be found from the Houtman Abrolhos in Western Australia to the area around Darwin, Northern Territory, and from the Cape York Peninsula, Queensland to South West Rocks, New South Wales, as well as at Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea.

Absent Geographic Areas

It does not occur in the Chagos Islands, the Red Sea, or the Persian Gulf.

Adult Habitat

Cephalopholis sonnerati lives on deep lagoon reefs, outer reef slopes, and coastal areas with rocky substrate.

Juvenile Habitat

Juveniles are most often found near sponges or coral heads.

Social Behavior

This is a solitary species, and adult individuals are usually accompanied by cleaner shrimps.

Depth Range

They inhabit moderate depths from 30 to 100 m, which is 98 to 332 ft.

Diet

It feeds on small fish and crustaceans.

Sexual Maturity Lengths

Males reach sexual maturity at a length of 34 cm (13 inches), and females reach sexual maturity at 28 cm (11 inches).