Cephalopholis boenak (Bloch 1790) —Chocolate grouper

Status at New Ireland. New record, based on specimens observed by Jeff Kinch during CFMDP Survey at Kavieng fish market in 2004–2005, and collected by Barry C. Russell on 14 and 21 June 2014; a specimen photographed at St. KVG26 (off western Bauddisson Island) by Serge Andréfouët on 23 Aug. 2014); a video of a specimen taken at Nubilus Island, off eastern New Hanover, at 3–32 m depth, St. KR 88, in 2014 (identified by Barry C. Russell).

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2.—General distribution: East Africa, Madagascar and western Mascarenes east to Philippines and Solomon Islands, north to Shanghai (China), south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Solitary, mainly in dead silty coral reefs and rocky reefs, 1–64 m depth. Transitional water and marine.