Cephalopholis polleni

(Bleeker, 1868)

Vernacular names
English : Harlequin hind
French : Mérou arlequin

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Perciformes
Family : Serranidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Unmistakable species, growing to 43 cm in length. Gently sloping forehead. Coloration entirely yellow to greenish-yellow with bright blue longitudinal stripes and dots from head to tail. Single band on dorsal, pelvic and anal fins.

Range and habitat
The species has a very scattered range, occurring around small islands in the Indo-Pacific area, from Comoros to the Line islands. Lives in clear water areas of steep drop-offs, from 20 to 120 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a disjunct range and occurs at low densities. So far, it seems to be facing no immediate threats.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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