Cephalopholis leopardus (Lacepède [ex Commerson] 1801)—Leopard grouper

Status at New Ireland. First recorded from St. Georges Channel, New Ireland by Munro (1958: 166); subesquently reported 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; a specimen observed at Balang Island, New Hanover, 0–18 m depth, St. T21, on 6 Nov. 2006, by Gerald R. Allen.

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2, 3, 5.—General distribution: East Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Northern Marianas, Line and Marquesas islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to northern Australia north of 15°50'S, New Caledonia and Tonga. Found in coral-rich areas of lagoon pinnacles, channels, and seaward slopes of coral reefs, 1–40 m depth. Marine.