Darkfin Hind

Cephalopholis nigripinnis

The Darkfin Hind, also known as Cephalopholis nigripinnis, is a reef-associated fish commonly found in the tropical Indian Ocean. It is characterized by its red coloration that darkens towards the tail, with the tail fin often appearing almost black and adorned with small pale spots. The fish has a distinctive brown spot on the opercle and a body shape that is less deep than the head is long. With a maximum length of 28 cm, it features a rounded caudal fin and a convex profile between the eyes. Its distribution spans from the east coast of Africa to Sumatra, including regions like the Seychelles, Maldives, and the Andaman Sea. The Darkfin Hind is a solitary fish that feeds primarily on small fishes and crustaceans. Encounters with the Darkfin Hind during dives are common, as it is a prevalent species within its range. Divers may spot it in coral reefs, where it tends to be solitary and predatory. The IUCN lists this species as Least Concern.