Cephalopholis polleni (Bleeker, 1868)
Harlequin hind
Cephalopholis polleni
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Epinephelidae (Groupers)
Max. size:  43 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 120 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: scattered insular localities from the Comoros to the Line Islands. Unknown from the Red Sea, coast of East Africa, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Guinea, and the larger islands of Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Characterized by yellow to greenish yellow color; head, body and fins with bright blue stripes; body scales ctenoid, including abdomen; pelvic fins, 1.5-1.9 in head length; greatest depth of body 2.7-3.1 in SL; truncate caudal fin to slightly emarginate (Ref. 90102); eye diameter subequal to interorbital width and about twice the depth of the preorbital; rounded preopercle, finely serrate, lower edge with 1-3 broad serrae; subopercle and interopercle finely serrate; maxilla reaches approximately to vertical at rear edge of eye; pectoral fins subequal to pelvic fins, pectoral fin length contained 1.5-1.9 times in HL (Ref. 089707)
Biology:  Sporadic distribution (Ref. 48635). Occurs only at oceanic islands. Inhabits clear waters of steep drop-offs; rarely seen in less than 30 m. It has been taken in depths of 120 m and may occur deeper. Also found in caves and crevices. Often swims upside-down against the roofs of caves or archways (Ref. 37816). Feeds on fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 89972). Solitary (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 27 March 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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