Common name: darkfin hind

Synonyms and Other Names: flagtail grouper

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Randall (2005) describes this species as having a large mouth with a reddish-brown body that gets darker posteriorly. The head and nape have numerous close-set orange-red spots. The caudal fin has two oblique white bands that converge posteriorly with red corners on the fin above and below the bands. Juveniles develop the bands on the caudal fin at approximately 5 cm total length.

Size: This species reaches a maximum length of 28 cm (Randall 2005).

Native Range: This species is widespread in the Indo-Pacific from Kenya to northern South Africa and east to French Polynesia and the Pitcairn Islands (Heemstra and Randall 1993).

Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Cephalopholis urodeta is a small, generally solitary, grouper that is common on shallow seaward clearwater reefs from 3-15 m in depth (Myers 1999). Both adults and juveniles of this species feed primarily on fish, but also consume crabs, shrimp, and mantis shrimp (Randall and Brock 1960, Nakai et al. 2004). This species is a protogynous hermaphrodite, starting life female and later changing sex into a male. Nakai and Sano (2002) found that the change to male is induced by the social situation of the habitat rather than when achieving a certain body size.

Means of Introduction: Intentionally stocked from the Marquesa Islands for sportfishing (Mundy 2005).

Status: The species failed to become established.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: The relatively small size of this grouper does not lend it much value as a food fish, but it does well in an aquarium (Heemstra and Randall 1993).

References: (click for full references)

Heemstra, P.C. and J.E. Randall. 1993. FAO Species Catalogue Vol. 16. Groupers of the World (Family Serranidae, Subfamily Epinephelinae). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of the grouper, rockcod, hind, coral grouper and lyretail species known to date. FAO Fisheries Synopsis, No. 125, Vol. 16. Rome, FAO 382 pp.

Mundy, B.C. 2005. Checklist of the fishes of the Hawaiian archipelago. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian reef fishes: A field guide for divers and aquarists. Coral Graphics, Guam.

Nakai, T., Y. Nakamura, M. Sano, and H. Kurokura. 2004. Feeding habits of juvenile darkfin hind Cephalopholis urodeta (Serranidae) at Iriomote Island, southern Japan. Galaxea 6:43-460.

Nakai, T., and M. Sano. 2002. Evidence of protogynous hermaphroditism in the darkfin hind Cephalopholis urodeta (Serranidae) at Iriomote Island, southern Japan. Fisheries Science 68:697-699.

Randall, J.E. 2005. Reef and shore fishes of the South Pacific. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

Randall, J.E., and V.E. Brock. 1960. Observations on the ecology of Epinepheline and Lutjanid fishes of the Society Islands, with emphasis on food habits. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 891:9-160.

Other Resources:

Author: Brown, M.

Peer Review Date: 12/5/2003

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.