Who was more startled? Me or this halfmoon grouper, Epinephelus rivulatus?

This grouper has a number of different common names, including: Charlie Court cod, Chinaman cod, Chinaman rock-cod, dotted groper, green-finned rock-cod, halfmoon grouper and white-dotted cod. I can’t say I am that smitten. Unprepossessing, with few redeeming features IMHO, but then who am I to judge?

Normally wary of snorkellers they will quickly duck for cover; however, this one was in shallow water when I came across him* and unable to hide. He was chased from the small hole where he’d found refuge by a bumptious banded scalyfin (known here as an aatuti).

By this stage he was clearly feeling threatened and proceeded to change colour rapidly. I’ve never seen them do this before, but it was enough to let me know he wasn’t keen on my company!

After taking a few photos, I left him in peace. Here is a short slideshow of the colour change taking place.

*They are actually hermaphrodites.