Peacock Hind, also known as Roi, Bluespotted Grouper, and Celestial Grouper, is a type of marine fish belonging to the grouper family (Serranidae), which also includes anthias and sea basses.
This fish is found in the Indo-Pacific region and can be used for commercial fishing, found as an invasive species or even kept in aquariums.
Its name comes from its appearance, resembling the Greek mythological creature Argus with many eyes.
Peacock hind lives near coral reefs at depths of 1 to 40 meters (3 to 131 feet).
Younger ones prefer shallow protected areas, while adults form groups with up to 12 members.
These groupers have a dominant male that defends their territory. Peacock hind’s diet mostly consists of other fish (75% to 95%) and some crustaceans.
They feed at different times depending on their location: morning and afternoon in the Red Sea but more during nighttime in Madagascar.
This fish is usually not consumed in some Pacific islands as it can cause ciguatera poisoning.
In Hong Kong, they are seen in live fish markets and are important for artisanal fisheries throughout the Indo-West Pacific region.
They are often caught using hook-and-line, spear, or trap methods. However, they are not reef-safe.
Peacock Hind Interesting Facts
- Peacock hind lives in the Indo-Pacific region and can grow up to 60 cm (23.6 inches) long.
- They live near coral reefs at depths of 1 to 40 meters (3 to 131 feet) and prefer water temperatures of 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F).
- Their diet consists mostly of other fish (75% to 95%) and some crustaceans, with feeding times varying by location.
- Despite being important for artisanal fisheries, they are not reef-safe.
Peacock Hind Habitat
Peacock hind inhabits the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to South Africa, eastward to French Polynesia and Pitcairn Islands.
It also ranges north to Japan’s Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to northern Australia and Lord Howe Island.
This fish can be mistaken for another species called Cephalopholis cyanostigma. It’s found in marine environments near coral reefs and doesn’t migrate.
Peacock hind usually lives at depths of 1 to 40 meters (3 to 131 feet), mostly between 1 to 15 meters (3 to 49 feet).
They prefer water temperatures of 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F), with an ideal temperature around 27°C (81°F).
This fish is found in tropical areas between latitudes of 29°N to 34°S and longitudes of 33°E to 122°W.
| Water Temperature: | 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Peacock Hind Physical Characteristics
Size: 15.7 inches (40.0 centimeters)
Peacock hind’s mature size varies, but it can grow up to 60 cm (23.6 inches) long. The average length is around 40 cm (15.7 inches).
This fish has nine dorsal spines, 15 to 17 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 9 anal soft rays.
Some of its features include a body depth that’s about 2.7 to 3.3 times smaller than its standard length and usually 16 to 17 pectoral fin rays.
It has between 95 to 110 scales along its side, a rounded caudal fin, and short pelvic fins that are about half the length of its head.
The color of this fish is dark brown with small blue spots outlined in black.
There may be five or six light bars on the back half of the body and a large pale area over the chest region.
Peacock Hind Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Serranidae |
| Genus: | Cephalopholis |
| Scientific Name: | Cephalopholis argus |
| Also Known As: | Peacock Hind, Roi, Bluespotted Grouper, Celestial Grouper |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |