English Name : Sixblotch hind
Local Name : Landaa faana
Size : Common to 35 cm; max. 48 cm
Family : Order : Specimen :
SERRANIDAE Perciformes MRS/P0142/87
Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 9 spines and 14-16 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 9 rays. Pectoral fin with 16-18 rays. Body depth 2.5-3.0 in standard length. Maxilla reaches to or past vertical at rear edge of orbit. Preopercle rounded, the lower edge fleshy. Pelvic fins not reaching anus. Interorbital area flat to slightly convex. Caudal and anal fins rounded.
Colour: Orange-red with many small blue spots on head, body and median fins (short blue lines may be present on head). Four squarish black blotches dorsally on body, and two more on caudal peduncle.
Habitat and Biology: Occurs on coral reefs between 10-150 m. Usually lives in caves and crevices on the outer reef slope. Feeds mainly on fishes.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
Remarks: Cephalopholis sexmaculata is active nocturnally in shallow water and diurnally in deeper water. Considered as a good-eating food fish.