Cephalopholis argus Bloch & Schneider 1801 —Peacock grouper

Status at New Ireland. First recorded from Lihir Group, Namatamai District, New Ireland by Fry et al. (2006: 130). Specimens observed by Jeff Kinch during CFMDP Survey at Kavieng fish market in 2004–2005, and collected by Barry C. Russell on 7 and 21 June 2014. A specimen photographed at St. KVG24 (off northwestern Bauddisson Island) by Serge Andréfouët on 22 Aug. 2014; a video of a specimen taken in Senta Passage, off eastern New Hanover, at 5–12 m depth, St. KD 83, in 2014 (identified by Barry C. Russell).

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2, 5.—General distribution: Red Sea, East and South Africa east to Wake Atoll, northern Line Islands and Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan, south to Western Australia, Lord Howe Island, Tonga and Rapa, recently introduced to Hawaiian Islands. Found on coral and rocky reefs including tidal pools, 1–40 m depth. Marine.