Scientific Name: Cephalopholis miniata

Description: The Coral Grouper is a striking marine fish found in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in coral reef habitats. Sporting a vibrant coloration ranging from shades of red and orange to yellow and brown, this species blends seamlessly with the colorful surroundings of coral reefs.

Habitat: Coral Groupers typically inhabit shallow reef environments, often seen hiding within crevices or under ledges during the day and venturing out to hunt at dusk and dawn. As ambush predators, they prey on smaller fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods, using their powerful jaws to capture their prey. They also exhibit a unique hunting behavior known as cooperative hunting, where they coordinate with other predators, such as moray eels, to flush out prey from hiding spots.

Despite their predatory nature, Coral Groupers play a vital role in maintaining the balance of reef ecosystems by controlling populations of smaller reef fish and maintaining the health of coral communities.