Fish

Peacock Rockcod

Cephalopholis argus

The most common and widespread of its group, a handsome reef grouper dappled with fine blue ocelli that give it its peacock name.

Also known as pou- malabar

Peacock Rockcod
Photo: François Libert · CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Typical size
Attains 50 cm
Habitat
Coral and rocky reef

The peacock rockcod is a mid-sized grouper reaching about 50 cm, its dark body scattered with small ocellated blue spots that lend it a jewelled look. It holds close to reef and rocky structure like other rockcod.

It is the most common and widespread species in its genus, ranging from the Red Sea south to Durban and right across to the central Pacific as far as the Pitcairn group.