Coney

Cephalopholis fulva

Maximum Size:

17 in (43 cm)

Longevity:

Around 11 years, possibly up to 20 years.

Typical depth:

3–148 ft (1–45 m)

Behavior:

Coneys hide in caves and crevices in the reef during the day, venturing out at night to forage for small reef fish and crustaceans. They are approachable but wary. Males are often territorial. They start out as female, becoming male at around 8in (20cm).

Predators:

Sharks, grouper and snapper.

Did you know?

The coney has three color phases. The individual shown in the image is the red phase, typically found in deep water. Coneys can also appear in a bicolored or phase, which involves a combination of white and brown, often found in shallower water) and also a bright yellow phase which can be present at any depth. The easiest way to identify a coney is through the two spots located on the upper edge of the caudal peduncle.