Freckled Grouper

Cephalopholis microprion

The Freckled Grouper is a reef-associated fish found in the Western Pacific, including regions such as the Andaman Sea, Gulf of Thailand, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef. It inhabits tropical waters, preferring depths from the surface down to 52 meters, though it is most commonly found between 0 and 30 meters. The species is characterized by a fusiform body shape with an oval cross-section, equipped with 9 dorsal spines and 15 to 16 dorsal soft rays. It is a secretive fish, often found within corals at depths of about 20 meters. Adults of this species favor silty reefs, midshelf lagoons, and backreef areas, where they feed primarily on fishes and crustaceans. Juveniles are typically found under corals with a rubble substrate. The Freckled Grouper is non-migratory and tends to remain within its chosen habitat. Divers encountering the Freckled Grouper may find it to be shy and secretive, often retreating into coral crevices. Its conservation status is listed as Least Concern. Despite its minor commercial value in fisheries, it remains an integral part of the reef ecosystem.