Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 9 spines and 14-16 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 9 rays. Pectoral fin with 17-18 rays. Body depth 2.6-3.0 in standard length. Maxilla scaly reaches to or beyond vertical at rear edge of orbit. Preopercle rounded; the lower edge fleshy. Caudal and anal fins rounded.
Colour: Bright-orange red with numerous small blue spots covering most of the body, but not underside of jaw. Pectoral fins yellow-orange distally.
Habitat and Biology: Found on well-developed exposed coral reefs in clear water at depths of 2-150 m. Feeds on schooling fishes and benthic invertebrates.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
Remarks: Cephalopholis miniata is one of the commonest and most beautiful of the coral groupers. Like C. argus, it is frequently seen by divers and snorkellers along the upper reef slopes.